MCT FORUM, By Jose Miguel Leyva –
Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio is finally being called to task.
The Department of Justice’s lawsuit against “America’s toughest sheriff” alleges that he and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department “intentionally and systematically discriminate against Latinos.” It says they use “unconstitutional law enforcement actions against Latinos who are frequently stopped, detained and arrested on the basis of race, color or national origin.” It also says they use “discriminatory jail practices against Latino inmates with limited English skills.”
Arpaio has openly mocked the attempts to rein in his department’s out-of-control behavior. And he has become a rallying cry for those seeking to scapegoat Latinos. The support he boasts spreads far beyond the boundaries of Maricopa County. The majority of financial contributions he receives come from out of state, according to The Associated Press.
The Department of Justice accused Arpaio of abusing power. It offered a settlement agreement if the sheriff agreed to institute reforms. Arpaio refused.
As citizens, we cannot afford to allow officials like Arpaio to think they are above reproach for their actions. We cannot allow the kinds of cruelties his department is accused of to go unchecked.
For the residents of Maricopa County — and for Latinos and good-hearted people around the country — the Justice Department lawsuit is a welcome intervention.
It should be the other way around. Joe should be after Eric Holder and the justice department for giving all those guns to the drug cartel. Holder is only doing this so Obama will get more votes from the Mexicans. They should stick Holder in prison for the death of one of our border parol agents. The agent was shot by a gun Holder gave them. I hope the supreme court rules in favor of Arizona in June. Then there will be Illegals running for the hills.
Joe Arpaio for president!!!!!!
pretty sad when someone actually does the job they were elected to do. and to enforce what the federal government mandates, only to be in trouble for doing it.
give hell sheriff JOE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!