PHOENIX -- Maricopa County sheriff's deputies arrested 26 suspected illegal immigrants Monday evening during two separate traffic stops in the north Valley, authorities said.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, 18 of the suspected illegal immigrants were arrested on state human smuggling charges. The remaining eight were turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said his office will continue to enforce immigration laws, despite the loss of part of his 287(g) agreement.

Under a 287(g) agreement, local law-enforcement agencies are given the ability to enforce federal immigration law.

The news release also hinted that a "wide ranging crime suppression operation is imminent."