Federal Judge: Arizona Sheriff’s Office Profiles Latinos

The man who fashions himself America’s toughest sheriff singles out Latinos in his immigration patrols, says a federal judge.

The 142-page decision by U.S. District Judge Murray Snow in Phoenix backs up allegations that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s critics have made for years that his officers rely on race in their immigration enforcement.

Snow also ruled Arpaio’s deputies unreasonably prolonged the detentions of people who were pulled over.

A small group of Latinos alleged in a lawsuit that Arpaio’s deputies pulled over some vehicles only to make immigration status checks…

The ruling represents a victory for those who pushed the lawsuit. They weren’t seeking money damages but a rather declaration that Arpaio’s office racially profiles and an order that requires it to make policy changes. The sheriff won’t face jail time or fines as a result of the ruling.

By: Cheston Catalano

Cheston Catalano is a Kentucky-based journalist whose work has been featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. He is a long-time contributor to Liberaland.