City of Mesa responds to County law enforcement raids

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith held a news conference today to address public safety concerns raised following the raids on two municipal buildings in the early morning hours today by law enforcement officials from Maricopa County.

The enforcement activities took place at 2:00 a.m. this morning when deputies from Maricopa County entered the Mesa City Hall and the main City Library serving search warrants. At the main library, three individuals hired by an outside contractor, Management Cleaning Control, LLC, were taken into custody on possible identification theft infractions.

The staging area for this operation took place at 12:30 a.m. at Pioneer Park in a residential neighborhood. There, County law enforcement officers with full tactical gear including weapons and canine units prepared for their raids on city buildings.

“I am concerned that this type of operation took place in a residential neighborhood with several dozen deputies in full tactical gear with weapons and canine units, Mayor Smith said. “With no prior communication from County law enforcement officials and no clarification on site regarding the agency’s intentions, this could have ended up with police personnel or residents’ safety being put at risk.”

Statements by County officials claimed that a Mesa Police Department lieutenant was made aware of possible illegal activities by employees of MCC, LLC. but did not take action.  However, in a meeting held with the janitorial company on May 21, 2008, which included the police lieutenant and several other city employees, the City expressed the importance of assuring that only people who are legally authorized with proper background clearance be allowed to work in City of Mesa facilities. The contractor was also reminded in a subsequent communication by city staff about the requirement in their contract to comply with all Federal, State and local laws.

It is also relevant to note that the City of Mesa has contracts with several different companies that provide janitorial services. The company that provides those services at the Mesa City Hall building is not MCC, LLC.

The City of Mesa is fully committed to enforcing all laws, including state employer sanction and federal immigration statutes.