Illegal Immigration Journal was started by Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas in order to provide a comprehensive resource where the public, law enforcement and political leaders can find updated news and information on illegal immigration. Andrew Thomas ran for Maricopa County Attorney in 2004 on a platform that included cracking down on the problems relating to illegal immigration in Arizona. Shortly after entering office, he hosted the first Southwest Conference on Illegal Immigration, Border Security and Crime. During his first year, he successfully lobbied for state legislation to make human smuggling a crime, and has since used the new felony law to prosecute illegal immigrants who use the services of coyotes. In 2006, he led the effort to pass Proposition 100, which prohibits bail for illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes, with 78% voting yes. His office has aggressively prosecuted non-residents for voting felonies.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is the fifth largest district attorney’s office in the country, with 15 specialized bureaus, over 900 attorneys, investigators, administrators, paralegals, victim advocates and support staff. Andrew is recognized as a noted author and leading authority on the criminal justice system. Andrew’s tough approach toward crime is reflected in the new office motto, “Let Justice be Done.” Other crime-fighting initiatives that have been undertaken since Andrew took office can be found on the main Maricopa County Attorney’s website.

After graduating from law school, Andrew moved to the Valley of the Sun to work for a large law firm in Phoenix, where he practiced civil litigation. In 1994, he left the private practice of law to serve as an Assistant Attorney General for Arizona. Subsequently, Andrew served as Deputy Counsel and Criminal Justice Policy Advisor to the Governor of Arizona. In this capacity he helped draft and campaigned for the Stop Juvenile Crime Initiative, which was approved by the voters in 1996.

After serving in the Governor's Office, Andrew became the Chief Attorney at the Arizona Department of Corrections, where he helped lead a successful crackdown on prison gangs.

Joining the Maricopa County Attorney's Office as a Deputy County Attorney in 2003, he prosecuted numerous cases both in the Pretrial and Juvenile Divisions. In 2004, Andrew ran successfully for Maricopa County Attorney. He took office in January, 2005.

As County Attorney, Andrew Thomas has championed the rights of crime victims, adopting tough policies related to violent crime, child exploitation, identity theft and repeat offenders.  The successful prosecution of human smugglers and illegal immigrants who conspire to enter the United States has set a standard for local law enforcement in combating the epidemic of illegal immigration.