TEXT OF LETTER BY ARIZONA LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS
NOTE: The group referred to itself as the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus in its news conference and letterhead, but “Arizona Hispanic Legislative Caucus” in the letter is cq.
With BC-CNS-Immigrants-Patrols
Here is the letter members of the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus sent to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey:
April 16, 2008
The Honorable Michael B. Mukasey
Attorney General of the United States
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Re: Request for Civil Rights Investigation of the Maricopa County Sheriff
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
As members of the Arizona Hispanic Legislative Caucus, we would request, in addition to the request of the Mayor of Phoenix, Phil Gordon, that the Civil Rights Division and any other governmental entity with jurisdiction to do so, begin an investigation as to whether the recent and ongoing “neighborhood sweeps” by the Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, constitute a violation of civil rights. The Sheriff is specifically targeting and arresting Hispanics. He is doing so, by using saturation patrols in Hispanic neighborhoods under the guise of “crime suppression.” Yet he is only stopping Hispanics or people who look Hispanic. This is pure discrimination and is causing a great deal of fear in our Hispanic Communities.
As state officials, we agree with the premise of catching and punishing those who break Arizona law. What we disagree with, are the tactics that are being employed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Simply put, he is using the guise of “crime suppression” for the sole purpose of rooting out and deporting Hispanics who are in this country illegally. He is not, however, considering the collateral damage that is occurring. Specifically, that the civil rights of Hispanic citizens are being infringed upon by being unfairly subjected to racial profiling.
Without federal oversight or intervention, the sheriff will continue his unlawful practices. He has publicly stated that he plans to continue his targeting of Hispanic communities throughout Maricopa County. In doing so, additional law abiding Hispanic citizens will be subjected to needless encounters with the sheriff’s officers, simply so the sheriff can claim political notoriety for being tough on illegal immigration. Others should not have to give up their civil rights so that the sheriff can win re-election.
Sincerely,
Senator Richard Miranda
Co-Chair
Representative Ben Miranda
Co-Chair
cc: Honorable Diane Humetewa, U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona