LAS VEGAS – The ACLU Nevada considers President Donald Trump’s pardon to former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio a tacit endorsement of racism. The White House announced the pardon Friday night after issuing a ban on transgender troops and threatening the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
“The call to action to fight this White House’s hateful and discriminatory policies has never been louder. Joe Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt for targeting and detaining Hispanics in violation of a federal court order to stop. As sheriff, Arpaio acted outside the law, in violation of the Constitution, and racially profiled Hispanics and oversaw the unlawful and cruel detention of Latinos in the so-called Tent City. Arpaio’s actions and Trump’s pardon are disgraceful. Thankfully, Nevada law enforcement officials have stated publicly that they will not engage in similar unconstitutional tactics, and we will continue working with them to ensure it stays that way,” Executive Director Tod Story said.
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