Arizona Congressmen to Trump: Don't Pardon Joe Arpaio

Statement

Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) and Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to President Trump, urging him not to issue a pardon for former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Earlier this week, Fox news reported that the President said that he was "seriously considering" issuing a pardon for Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt for ignoring a judge's order to stop traffic patrols targeting suspected undocumented immigrants.

Arpaio faces up to six month's imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for October 5.

The full text of the letter is below.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) said, "Joe Arpaio's immigration policies were a racially-motivated breach of justice. He trampled on civil rights and encouraged his deputies to sweep communities and provoke fear among good, hardworking people -- even after a federal judge ordered him to stop these unlawful and unconstitutional practices. He shouldn't be let off the hook for his crimes just to buy Donald Trump some bonus points with his most racist supporters."

Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) said, "It is a profound assault on our democracy for Donald Trump to grant, or even consider granting former Sheriff Arpaio a presidential pardon. For decades, communities across Maricopa county and Arizona were victimized by his racist practices. Arpaio held a total disregard for our judicial system and to this day fails to accept responsibility or even acknowledge his wrong-doings. All of that merits no presidential pardon. For Donald Trump to grant him leniency gives racist, hatred-filled, and extremist individuals and groups an unequivocal endorsement in continuing with their dangerous practices."

Rep. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) said, "It is imperative for a society to hold elected leaders to the highest level of accountability, and when they are convicted of crimes and lose the trust of the public, they must face their punishment. As a former law enforcement officer, Joe Arpaio's abuse and exploitation of his power to target vulnerable communities is beyond egregious and tarnishes the sworn duty of our brave officers across Arizona. I urge President Trump to stand by his commitment to law and order and not pardon Joe Arpaio, who was entrusted by the people of Maricopa County to enforce our laws, for the crimes of which he has been convicted."

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