More than 800 residents of Otero County have signed a petition demanding the resignation of the lead Otero County deputy sheriff.

Residents said last summer they were subject to unlawful entry practices and some were deported because they could not gather their legal papers.

A lawsuit was filed last year by the Border Network for Human Rights, but now residents said deputies are using routine traffic stops as a means to ask residents about their immigration statuses.

Those who signed the petition are asking for Sgt. Robert Hansen to step down, and for the department to stop the harassment and persecution of those living in Chaparral.

"They ask them about Social Security even if they show some valid identification. So they are going beyond their limits of their authority. Out of the 11 cases that we have, in seven cases directly Sgt. Rob Hansen was involved,” said Fernado Garcia, BNHR director.

Residents said they fear calling the sheriff's department in times of need, because they fear they will be subject to illegal searches and deportations.