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Justice Department Sues Arizona's Sheriff Joe

He won't cooperate with civil rights investigation

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2010 11:58 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The feds have escalated their fight with Arizona's tough-talking Sheriff Joe. The Justice Department filed what it calls an "unprecedented" suit today against Maricopa County's Joe Arpaio because it says he won't cooperate with a civil rights investigation, refusing for more than a year to turn over records, reports the Arizona Republic. Arpaio's been accused of discriminating against Hispanics in his very public battle against illegal immigration.

"It is unfortunate that the department was forced to resort to litigation to gain access to public documents and facilities," an assistant attorney general tells AP. Arpaio's office says it has balked at turning over more documents because the feds won't say precisely what they're investigating. Click here to read about Arpaio's past run-ins with federal authorities.

A file photo of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
A file photo of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio orders illegal immigrants handcuffed together and moved into a separate area of his so-called Tent City in 2009.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio orders illegal immigrants handcuffed together and moved into a separate area of his so-called Tent City in 2009.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 88 comments
Ultraworld
Sep 4, 2010 12:19 PM CDT
He's forcing the feds to properly hear the argument in a federal court.
serious
Sep 3, 2010 10:51 AM CDT
Witch hunt.
truesoy
Sep 3, 2010 6:49 AM CDT
If he wants to enforce the law, then, he hsa to follow the law. Its that simple. And to refuse cooperation with federal authorities does not to his resume as 'a law abiding citizen', regardless of what he thinks. Again, just as he and his deputies expect any law abiding citizen to follow their orders, and then allow for the courts to decide any dispute as to the legality of their actions, the same rules apply to the sheriff when in dispute with other authorities. He is not above the law. Ps., maybe this is where the problem lies, in that in most parts this positions, sheriffs, are still elected positions. A good solution would be to make it a county police agency with an appointed director by the county supervisors/commissioners.This gives the people of the county better police service, and a more responsive police force.

 
immigration • Arizona • racial discrimination • Joe Arpaio • US Justice Department

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