Sunday, April 13, 2008

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon asks FBI to investigate Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Arizona newspapers and Television stations are reporting Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is calling on the FBI to investigate whether Sheriff Joe Arpaio has violated any civil-rights laws. In an April 4 letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Gordon asked the Justice Department's civil-rights division and the FBI to probe what Gordon calls a "pattern and practice of conduct that includes discriminatory harassment, improper stops, searches and arrests."

Gordon's four-page letter details Arpaio's recent sweeps through predominantly Latino neighborhoods in Phoenix and Guadalupe. "Over the past few weeks, Sheriff Arpaio's actions have infringed on the civil rights of our residents," Gordon wrote. "They have put our residents' well-being, and the well-being of law enforcement officers, at risk."In his letter, Gordon says he was moved to write after Arpaio pledged to bring his sweeps to other Valley cities on an ongoing basis. Gordon, who is an attorney, asks that Arpaio be investigated for possible violations of four laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. Gordon declined to discuss his letter in detail. "The letter speaks for itself," he said.The raids, which Arpaio has described as efforts to suppress crime in problem areas, have won the sheriff praise from residents fed up with government inaction on illegal immigration. But they have been harshly criticized by civil libertarians who say the sheriff's raids have led to racial-profiling and the illegal detainment of U.S. citizens.The American Civil Liberties Union and Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund have said the raids are likely to spark civil-rights lawsuits against the sheriff.Last week, the Arizona Ecumenical Council and American Jewish Committee issued a joint letter saying the raids had "evoked a 'police state' atmosphere" and led to "detainment on the basis of a racial profile and dehumanization of innocent people."They were joined on Friday by the Arizona chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, which echoed calls for a Justice Department investigation."We're not saying the sheriff's guilty," said Bill Straus, the chapter's executive director, who described himself as a friend of Arpaio's. "All we're saying is, if the sheriff's department continues operating under this cloud of allegations and they're not true, that's really unfair to the sheriff's department. If in fact they are true, it needs to stop."A Justice Department investigation could lead to civil or criminal proceedings. Civil charges could result in a restraining order preventing certain aspects of Arpaio's raids, officials said. Criminal charges could lead to prosecution.In his office, Gordon has a pair of posters held by protesters at the recent sweep that took place near Cave Creek and Bell roads. Given to him by a Phoenix police officer who was on the scene, one refers to Latinos with an expletive and a slur. Another says "Hooray for the slaughtering of the illegals!" and is adorned with a swastika. Arpaio insists Gordon is taking the opportunity to play political games and said the series of letters, whether they come from ministers or politicians, don't bother him."I don't think any of them carry any weight cause I have nothing to hide," he said. "(Gordon) did this on his own because he's taking the heat. Now he's degrading my office and my deputies by insinuating that they're violating all these civil laws. We don't profile." The city of Phoenix's response to illegal immigration has focused on finding violent criminals and human smugglers. Arpaio wants his deputies to ask about immigration status for the most minor offenses and says business owners and city leaders ask for his deputies to come into their communities.On March 28, in a widely publicized speech, Gordon came out against the sheriff's tactics, calling them "made-for-TV stunts." Arpaio said he was "outraged" at Gordon's remarks but would not be deterred from his efforts to enforce immigration laws.One week after his speech, Gordon wrote his letter to the attorney general.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here we go again!

Anonymous said...

finally, let justice be done

Anonymous said...

Illegal immigration issues are important issues to all loyal American citizens and cannot be taken lightly. I would not be shocked if all American citizens of any hispanic heritage get upset for all the problems the illegal aliens are causing. As long as you keep supporting the aliens, more problems will arise. It is just common sense.

Anonymous said...

Well anon #2 (and I stress num #2), it's also common sense that when you label someone else your either racist or sexist or have very distorted views, I support having everyone here that hasn't registered for citizenship and helping those that simply cannot, this will help filter out the criminals to deport to their country of origin, we will accomplish nothing if we continue to racial profile and abuse ppl except install fear and chaos where there's already too much

Anonymous said...

You support everyone that has not registered for citizenship? You support aliens who have entered this country illegally. Then you must wear the label of unloyal American citizen.

Dee said...

Anon 2,
Anyone who is familiar with Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) understands the issues. Most PROs support:
CIR
1. Secure Borders
2. Employer Sanctions
3. Bringing the 12M here in the US out of the shadows and into some path to legalization. After all, most have here +5 - 20+ years. We have had virtually open borders with limited enforcement of laws and absolutely no impact to the hiring employers.

We are very loyal Americans looking for a logical solution to our broken Immigration policies.

It is many people on the ANTI side who do not understand the history of Immigration and choose either status quo or racial profiling like Sheriff Arpaio of all Latinos. This is very wrong.

What PROs oppose the most is:
1. Racial Profiling of all Latinos and Native Americans (as Arpaio is doing)
2. Heinoius Crony Owned Private Family Prisons and Detention Centers
3. Your side castigating our side and making the political situation much worse by stirring up anger and hate. That attitude is ANTI-American!!

Anonymous said...

Illegal immigrants are CRIMINALS!! They are breaking the law. Criminals are CRIMINALS, and the Constitution allows curtailing of their rights. Let the voters decide, like they have for the past 15 years. Sheriff Arpaio is here to stay. Let all the criminals and illegals go to your hometown and state.

Anonymous said...

exactly, most PRO's have a lot more compassion towards they're fellow man that the ANTI's point of view, as far as I've seen ANTI's are easily persuaded to have a more "us vs. them" type attitude and if you don't agree with them their quick to judge you un-American which is very childish and only the weak minded use such a tactic, if it doesn't fit the ANTI agenda than it's un-American which includes race/creed/sex(in some cases), how pathetic, Dee you are right, this is ANTI-American

Dee said...

Anon 2,
The courts and the FBI will be deciding Arpaio´s fate. The Mayors of many Arizona cities and the Chief of Police of Mesa are standing up to bully Arpaio and they have gone to the FBI and requested and investigation.
He is not only guilty of racial profiling, but guilty of inhumanity towards this prisoners. Read the articles of the heinous conditions of his cells. They are vermin and germ infested. He has an animal refuge next to his prison and he treats his dogs better than the prisoners. Arpaio is despicable! He will get his due very, very soon!

Anonymous said...

It's all smoke and mirrors on the pro side, dee.

1. Only wants secure borders as long as it doesn't include a fence because it would be a big deterrant to illegal entry into our country. Can't have that now can we?

2. Employer sanctions? Not really, the pro's opposed the Save Act. That would hold the employers accountable.

3. This is the part that is totally unacceptable to most Americans. They don't deserve legalization and particularly not a path to citizenship. All they deserve is deporation whether it be self or imposed. It doesn't matter how long they have been here. Go home, apply legally to come back. That would not be "status quo".

No, your side are the anti-Americans. You have no respect for our laws....we do! If there is any hate or anger involved, your side has earned it.

Since Hispanics (mostly Mexicans) make up the majority of illegal aliens in this country who should be questioned....Eskimos?

I don't care who owns the detention centers. They are needed just as our jails and prisons are needed. If you don't want to do the time, don't do the crime.

Dee said...

Liquid, Pat and Anon2,
I think all three of you should visit the Missions in San Antonio. It is a spiritual experience to visit them. You get a special feeling when you visit the Missions. You can feel the history when you go there.

Anonymous said...

sorry Dee, all ANTI's are BEYOND hope, let them continue their bickering and dreams of MAYBERRY, It's all I can do to hold back from laughing at how ridiculous they act and sound, I remember your post about how you pictured what the frequent ANTI's of this blog look like, I think you hit the nail right on the head

Anonymous said...

sorry Dee, all ANTI's are BEYOND hope, let them continue their bickering and dreams of MAYBERRY, It's all I can do to hold back from laughing at how ridiculous they act and sound, I remember your post about how you pictured what the frequent ANTI's of this blog look like, I think you hit the nail right on the head

Anonymous said...

As the pro's are beyond hope. They have no respect for our immigration laws. They are mostly racist ethnocentrics that put illegal foreigners ethnically like themselves above the laws, citizens and welfare of this country.

If I am beyond hope for honoring our laws, then I am glad to be beyond hope. I have no racist agenda like the pro's do.

You and dee keep making cracks about Mayberry and that shows just how racist you are to deny Whites the right to retain their cultural dominance in this country. You are also a hypocrite because you wouldn't think of changing Mexico into an Anglo society (especially thru illegal immigration) with the loss or depletion of their natural culture in their country.

Are you people really this insensitive, two faced, greedy and selfish? There are 22 countries that are Hispanic in culture and that isn't enough for you?

Anonymous said...

lol, the level of BS the ANTI's show is austounding, it's scary because that's how a lot of the owner's of this country (gov officials/elite's/CEO's) think and act, or is that how they train ANTI's to think and act while the owner's reach deep deep down for their pocketbooks for as much money as they can get their hands on (raise gas to $4 a gallon)

Anonymous said...

anon1, I haven't a clue what you are talking about or how it relates to the subject or what my remarks were about. Trying diversionary tactics here?

We "anti's" are quite capable of thinking for ourselves.

Anonymous said...

pat, it's just like Dee posts, it's good that ANTI's post (espcially you) cuz nobody can make you guys (some ladies) up

Anonymous said...

Yep, we are true, loyal, law abiding citizens as are the majority of Americans.

Liquid said...

Hello Dee,

First, apologies for your comment not being published on my blog.

PLEASE,please, recomment on this post. I want all sides of the story to be heard.

I have enjoyed your blog and most certianly the comments here.

I have been to San Antonio, many times and regret not visiting the Missions.

Will certianly make it a point on my next visit.

Thank you for your comment and your visit. Your opinion is important to me!

Have a super blessed day!

Suzanne

Pro Immigrant said...

Hi Dee,

I just posted some information about Joe Arpaio that you must found interesting as well as friend Patriot and Liquid.

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