Feds Strip Sheriff Joe of Immigration Enforcement Authority, But Decline to Require Him Wear Pink Underwear

Good news is always welcome in hard times. And here is some good news for persons committed to justice for all!

Dawnt for Daily Kos reports that “America’s Toughest Sheriff” Joe Arpaio announced yesterday that the U.S. government has removed Maricopa County, Arizona’s authorization to assist in the enforcement of the U.S. immigration laws.  Why you might ask?  “Arpaio is currently under investigation by the Dept of Justice for civil rights violations, and by the Dept of Labor for labor violations. He is being sued by a number of individuals, organizations, and fellow local officials. The mayors of two cities in Maricopa County have called him out for what they allege is racial profiling.”  This sounds to be an outfit not deserving of any additional law enforcement authority, especially in a state (Arizona) where many persons of Mexican ancestry feel as if they are fair game in an immigrant witch hunt.

But there is more!  Sheriff Joe has, among many other antics, made inmates wear pink underwear and live in tent cities in 100 degrees-plus heat.  Among many others, the conservative/libertarian Goldwater Institute has criticized Arpaio’s tactics.

Unfortunately, the idea of enlisting state and local law enforcement officers to enforce the immigration laws is just a bad idea.  It alienates immigrant communities whose help is essential in criminal law enforcement.  Sheriff Joe is an extreme case — and we are happy to see the feds’ latest action — but a more general look at the issue of state/local immigration enforcement is much-needed. 

KJ