Mexican consul says Texas sheriff defends stops in meeting
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A Mexican diplomat says a Texas sheriff told him he stood by a traffic sting that led to the arrest of 14 undocumented immigrants, many of whom were later deported.
Carlos González Gutiérrez is Mexico's general consul in Austin. He has been outspoken since the June 23 arrests and called it an escalation of collaboration between local police and immigration authorities.
Read Bastrop County deputies arrest 13 undocumented immigrants
Bastrop County Sheriff Maurice Cook has said the traffic operation had "nothing to do with immigration" and that his deputies didn't ask about citizenship. A new Texas law banning "sanctuary cities" doesn't require officers to ask about immigration status but gives the option.
Cook didn't immediately respond to messages Thursday.
González called a meeting Wednesday with the sheriff cordial but "kind of frustrating."