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Justice Department Sues Tough Arizona Sheriff in Discrimination Probe

1 year ago
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The federal government sued tough-talking Sheriff Joe Arpaio Thursday, arguing that the Phoenix lawman has refused for more than a year to hand over records pertinent to an investigation of charges that his Maricopa County office discriminates against Hispanics.

The Justice Department says Arpaio's actions are unprecedented and have held up its probe of allegations of illegal searches and seizures and jailhouse policies that are unfair to people who don't speak good English. "It is unfortunate that the department was forced to resort to litigation to gain access to public documents and facilities," Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas Perez said.
Maricopa Country Sheriff Joe Arpaio reacts to federal lawsuitAt a news conference Thursday, Arpaio said the civil lawsuit was government harassment. His office has said it hasn't provided additional documents because the Justice Department won't disclose exactly what it is investigating.

"They have hundreds of thousands of reports, hundreds of thousands, " Arpaio said, according to the AP. "They're so broad, we're trying to narrow it down. We're trying to work with them."

Arpaio's tough, lock-them-up tactics against immigrants and others have angered civil rights advocates and prompted numerous complaints over the years.

Arizona is getting plenty of attention from Washington these days. In July, a federal judge ruled in favor of a government lawsuit, stopping key sections of a controversial state immigration law from taking effect.

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PABLO

Wherever and whenever possible, illegals should NOT be detained in the US. It is cost prohibitive to detain illegal immigrants. They should be made to do an about face and sent right back across the border. The same applies to the Coast Guard who intercept illegals. They should not be granted detention rights in the U.S. If they can't or won't identify themselves, send them back from whence they came, even if it means stranded in the ocean. The down side to this approach (aside from the whining of pro-immigrant activists) is the need for MORE boots on the ground and water. So be it!!!

September 15 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
reinaldovaldes

Twelve Million Undocumented did not cross the border in one day! What happened over the last decade? Politically correct President Bush did not want to get his already detroyed immage kicked around more, so he appointed Mr. Senator Cuban Martinez to do the un-doable job, and it back fired when the Christian Conservatives pressured. Why do we always blame Demos for our bad political decisions? Congressman Lincoln Diaz Balart, his brother Congressman Mario, and Congresswoman Ileana Ros Lethinen, are the ones that have provided and fathered Immigration Legislation such as TPS for Central Americans, and the Dream Act, etc.. In 1986, President Ronald Regan passed Amnesty for Six Million plus undocumented, which was approved, and signed also by then Congressman,now Floridas Attorney General Bill MaCullum, who was an active Anti-Amnesty spokesman. Where have the Demos sponsored undocumented immigration? Really, I am glad the Republicans have shown the unbending humanity towards the immigrant labor force we have always promoted and used in this country.

September 07 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
punnster

Seems like the Justice Department is discriminating against Arizona in favor of criminal immigrants.

September 02 2010 at 11:24 PM Report abuse +10 rate up rate down Reply
Rob & Kathy

Once again the Obama administration is swimming against the current of the American people...

September 02 2010 at 11:10 PM Report abuse +8 rate up rate down Reply
Rob & Kathy

The Arizona law is less restrictive than federal law...where is the lawsuit against sanctuary cities and the federal government's neglect to secure the border?...

September 02 2010 at 11:07 PM Report abuse +8 rate up rate down Reply
Rob & Kathy

Obama's position on illegal immigration; sue the state of Arizona and Sheriff Arpaio. Allow illegal aliens to remain in the country...

September 02 2010 at 11:05 PM Report abuse +7 rate up rate down Reply
melissa

Start writing and calling. Most Americans agree with the Arizona law. It is upholding the Federal law. We need to put a stop to it somehow. We can't take everyone and be treated like second class citizens as we do it. Very wrong. Has nothing to do with discrimination and race. Everything to do with the law and respecting the American citizens and our resources that have been created for our CITIZENS.

September 02 2010 at 10:49 PM Report abuse +11 rate up rate down Reply
melissa

He is upholding the federal law. They are ticked because they want votes. Most hispanics in this country are illegal. No offense to those who came in the right way. But I believe we need to change the "born here, and you are a citizen" law. That and our resources is what keeps them coming in. Illegal is illegal. And did you know that a school system cannot ask for papers? Now what is wrong with this picture? And we are spending tons of our citizens money to take care of them. WOW. No other country would take this crap.

September 02 2010 at 10:42 PM Report abuse +12 rate up rate down Reply
Jaymo The Cruel

Illegals in this country, meaning they have broken our laws to come here in the first place, should ONLY have the basic rights that we give a living creature, and NOT rights of US citizens. Meaning, no abuse,do put them jails, basic medical while in jails to be returned to their proper country, until then..NO RIGHTS UNTIL YOU ARE A CITIZEN ....PERIOD....to quote Mr. Beck.. END OF STORY>>>PRINT!!!

September 02 2010 at 9:45 PM Report abuse +8 rate up rate down Reply
ellingt5

Unbelievable! They are so out of touch with the American people!

September 02 2010 at 9:18 PM Report abuse +9 rate up rate down Reply

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