Joe Arpaio, a so-called “law and order” Sheriff who is under federal investigation got some heat this past weekend at a rally organized by immigrant leaders. The AP reports,
Thousands of immigrant rights advocates marched in front of a county jail in Phoenix Saturday in a protest that was aimed at Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s immigration efforts and was marked by a clash between a small group of protesters and police officers.
Organizers say the protest was meant to show officials in Washington that Arpaio shouldn’t handle immigration enforcement, and that Congress and the Obama administration need to come up with a way for immigrant workers to come to the country legally.
More and more we can only hope this guy finally gets thrown out of office. He has corrupted the entire Maricopa Sheriff’s department, creating a culture among his deputies that has utter disregard for civil liberties and due process of law. The AP story also touches on his impending federal investigation.
Ten months ago, Arpaio learned he was under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for alleged discrimination and unconstitutional searches. He says the investigation was prompted by his immigration efforts, although federal authorities haven’t provided details.
Since early 2008, Arpaio has run 13 immigration and crimes sweeps involving officers who flood a section of a city – in some cases heavily Latino areas – to seek out traffic violators and arrest other violators.
Arpaio’s power to make federal immigration arrests was stripped away three months ago by officials in Washington, but he continues his immigration efforts through the enforcement of two state laws.
A federal grand jury also is investigating Arpaio and his office on allegations of abusing his powers.
My favorite was Arpaio’s response to the protest saying,
“They are zeroing in on the wrong guy,” Arpaio said. “They ought to be zeroing in on the president.”
No clue. He’s just another dumb right-wing jackass.
Here are a few recent posts on Joe and rogue force:
- Court rebukes Joe Arpaio and his thugs for unlawful arrests
- No probable cause needed by Joe Arpaio
- Maricopa County Sheriff’s employee takes documents from defense attorney