DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio

By
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio will face a Department of Justice lawsuit if he does not cooperate with a civil rights investigation, according to a letter obtained by the Arizona Republic. The Justice Department began an investigation into allegations of discrimination and unconstitutional searches and seizures last year. The sheriff’s office said at the time they would not cooperate with the investigation.

In the letter, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez wrote the sheriff’s office must turn over documents by Aug. 17 to avoid a lawsuit:

“MCSO’s refusal to cooperate fully with the Division’s investigation makes it an extreme outlier when compared with other recipients of federal financial assistance, which have uniformly recognized their obligation to cooperate with the Division’s investigations of alleged discrimination. Although we would prefer voluntary compliance in this case as well, we will not hesitate to commence litigation after Aug. 17, if MCSO continues to take the position that it need not cooperate with the Division’s investigation.”

Arpaio, an outspoken supporter of Arizona’s SB 1070 immigration law, has been criticized for his extreme approach to immigration enforcement, which earned him the nicknames “America’s Toughest Sheriff” and “Hitler.”

Follow Elise Foley on Twitter


Comments

59 Comments

Tweets that mention DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington Independent -- Topsy.com
Pingback posted August 3, 2010 @ 9:52 pm

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Paula Egan and r3publican, WashIndependent. WashIndependent said: DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio – http://bit.ly/cUyO0S [...]


DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 3, 2010 @ 10:07 pm

[...] full post on The Washington Independent advertising Share and [...]


World Wide News Flash
Trackback posted August 3, 2010 @ 10:13 pm

DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio…

I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog :)…


DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio  | Skoopio.com
Pingback posted August 3, 2010 @ 11:11 pm

[...] Read more here « Oksana Grigorieva Calls in Sick to Deposition Outfield shift can’t prevent Angels from losing to Orioles, 6-3 – Los Angeles Times » [...]


RT@america1first Joe Arpaio in… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 3, 2010 @ 11:39 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Local SEO | Search Marketing | Internet Marketing in Tucson | Local Marketing Tucson
Pingback posted August 3, 2010 @ 11:56 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio (washingtonindependent.com) var addthis_language = 'en'; Share and Enjoy: [...]


Lenmom
Comment posted August 4, 2010 @ 7:53 am

The current administration will stop at nothing– apparently even suing the best advocate the country has for ending illegal immigration. They're backing illegals full-hilt and throwing American tax payers under the bus because they want to amnesty the 20 million illegals sucking up our tax dollars, all for their potential votes. This is no longer democracy when 80+% of Americans want illegals OUT of our country and the border SHUT DOWN. Join numbersusa.com and alipac.com to scorch your senators and supposed “reps” who favor all things illegal. They need extreme heat right now from Americans, not apathy.


Amy
Comment posted August 4, 2010 @ 8:06 am

It seems that when Sheriff Joe was asked to show his papers, he wouldn't comply.


borderraven
Comment posted August 4, 2010 @ 9:43 am

Article III – Judicial Branch
Article III Section 2 Clause 2:
“In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction.” (See 11th Amendment)
Paraphrasing: USA (Obama/Holder) cannot sue Arizona in the US District Court in Arizona, thus the ruling and injunction by Judge Bolton is nullified, also the case cannot go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. USA (Obama/Holder) will need to file suit in the US Supreme Court. SB1070 has gone into full effect.


RT@america1first Briton challe… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 4, 2010 @ 6:27 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Facing Potential Justice Dept. Lawsuit, Arpaio Refuses to Back Down North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 4, 2010 @ 6:57 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Arizona Sheriff inStandoff With DOJ North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 4, 2010 @ 11:18 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Toddm
Comment posted August 4, 2010 @ 10:19 pm

They are suing Arpaio for raids where he rounded went into businesses and rounded up employees who looked foriegn. In some cases, 75% were legal workers, but had to face detainment so he could sort out the undocumented immigrants.
Like it or not, illegal immigrants are a necessary part of our economy and suddenly forcing them out (if that were possible) would deepen our economic crisis. Furthermore, the cost of detaining, trying and deporting that many people would bankrupt the government. Enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Congress needs to have the balls to tackle comprehensive immigration reform.


StopBeingStupid
Comment posted August 4, 2010 @ 11:17 pm

Where are your papers Amy? If you move to Japan you have to carry papers, the same is true in most other countries. I have to carry a driver’s license when I drive. What’s wrong with complying with a countries laws. By the way the law is the illegal immigrant law….. Not the immigrant law. The problem is people are breaking federal laws and the federal government sues a state for writing a law that mirrors the federal law. Are you ill informed or stupid?


RT@america1first Arpaio joke h… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 5, 2010 @ 2:07 am

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


RT@america1first INTERMEX FINA… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 5, 2010 @ 3:52 am

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Westendhouston
Comment posted August 5, 2010 @ 7:05 am

illegals pay taxes dumb ass


Digitalcntrl
Comment posted August 5, 2010 @ 11:50 am

Wrong. Original jurisdiction merely gives a court the right to hear a case. It does not require that the moving party actually file there. Here the SC does have original jurisdiction but so does the district court.


Cuyahoga County removes office staff at Boards of Revision North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 5, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


RT@america1first Sheriff Joe W… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 5, 2010 @ 9:37 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


RT@america1first Lawyer: Ariz…. | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 6, 2010 @ 1:25 am

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


RT@america1first Sheriff Joe n… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 6, 2010 @ 1:25 am

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


RT@america1first Lawyer: Arpai… | america1first.com
Pingback posted August 6, 2010 @ 4:03 am

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington … [...]


Publius
Comment posted August 6, 2010 @ 6:08 am

Alexander Hamilton would disagree. Please refer to Federalist #81, where he notes, “In cases in which a State might happen to be a party, it would ill suit its dignity to be turned over to an inferior tribunal.”


All Around The World News
Trackback posted August 6, 2010 @ 7:16 pm

Lobbyist: What stories does he have to tell?…

We cover the same subject but your aproach is intersting….


dfflick
Comment posted August 6, 2010 @ 8:16 pm

Some states have 'stop & identify' statutes- which are just as unconstitutional as the Arizona law. The problem here is at what point the government (state or otherwise) can do this. I firmly believe (and the Constitution supports) that government has no right to ask to begin with, unless in conjunction with an overt act. What is wrong with complying with laws like this is that we have the right to not be harassed, and it is an erosion of our liberty. If we detain slightly fewer illegal immigrants, so be it, but we do need a wholesale immigration law change. It seems as though some people feel they are the only ones with the right to be an American.


dfflick
Comment posted August 6, 2010 @ 8:18 pm

Even if Congress gets the 'balls'- the Republicans will just delay, filibuster and obstruct. We need to keep the majority in the House and expand control of the Senate to make this happen.


raj52
Comment posted August 6, 2010 @ 10:28 pm

westendhouston,toddm,difflick you guys are dead right the illegals are paying taxes,contributing to social security(which they will never get)and they are the people who are also contributing to the economy by spending so get real its is extremely difficult to deport YES must have a very stringent security check and make them pay hefty fines(which would be of some consolation to the americans) that they have paid back some what they have taken all these years and also make them pay at least 5years back taxes so that the Americans feel that they did not get is for free at least they have contibuted for the last five years so back taxes and hefty fines will do the trick and bring them on level playing ground.Senators and GOP be real and come up with the right solutions and end this problem and then all of CITIZENS work for the strength of the great country.Do not let it break down this is a great country build by great people please live up to the reputation.The govt of USA goes hundreds of miles away from its borders to help people in trouble in Afghanistan and iraq sacrifice their
youth and at home they are spreading hatred.CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME.
A little piece of advice to HISPANICS if you have to live in this Great Country
first of all learn to respect the NATIONAL FLAG nothing is above this flag
YOU LIVE AND DIE FOR IT


ValleyVixon
Comment posted August 7, 2010 @ 1:45 am

What are you talking about? What does “It seems as though some people feel they are the only ones with the right to be an American” mean. The whole issue is the right to be American? If I am stopped by the cops for any reason I have no problem showing my ID and if I don't have one I will get a ticket. It's the law. The some people you talk about who feel they are the only ones to have American rights, are people who are AMERICAN. I don't care if they were born here or immigrated legally, they are Americans. Its giving those same rights to illegal immigrants which is the problem. I can't buy a battery at Radio Shack without giving them my information, I can't get discounts at the grocery store without giving my information and that doesn't upset you? I think asking is a lot better then demanding? Everyone is talking like this is 1939 in Germany. What is your solution to identifying persons who are not here legally? No wonder the rest of the world thinks we are idiots.


dfflick
Comment posted August 7, 2010 @ 7:28 am

“What I mean” is that countless people, who are actually American by birth or naturalization, will be inconvenienced and possibly harassed because this statute allows discrimination. When you say this isn't 1939 in Germany, I disagree. If you had blond hair in Germany, you weren't often asked for your 'papers', but if you looked 'different', they could stop and question you under the auspices of security. This is no different.

When I refer to 'stop and identify' statutes, a person familiar with them would know that I am referring to the practice of stopping pedestrians, not drivers. It is obvious that you need a DL to drive. What you don't realize is that illegal immigrants can get driver's licenses, anyway.

Our nation was intended to be open. In the Constitution is an order to Congress to form the law pertaining to naturalization; it was accepted that people would immigrate here, and they were granted citizenship after living in the US for a length of time that has varied over history. There was no such thing as illegal immigration until the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was fundamentally unconstitutional.

The illegal immigrants are not the problem. They would not come if there was no work. The problem is that corporations are consistently placing profit over the health of their communities (generally speaking).

BTW, I can get through a trip to the store without giving out personal info…they won't refuse to sell to you if you don't say your ZIP at Radio Shack.

I can concur with your exasperation: with logic like yours, the world must think we're morons. Especially when most people are too quick to judge, instead of actually doing a little background research before opening their mouths.


All Around The World News
Trackback posted August 8, 2010 @ 6:38 am

Texas’ open US attorney posts languish under President Barack Obama – Dallas Morning News…

We cover the same subject but your aproach is intersting….


tyrebitre
Comment posted August 8, 2010 @ 8:28 pm

” ValleyVixon ”

“If I am stopped by the cops for any reason I have no problem showing my ID and if I don't have one I will get a ticket.”

You will get a ticket ? Really ? For what ? You aren't required to carry id and can't be arrested or ticketed for not doing so. Now, if you are driving, then “yes”, you can be ticketed if you have no license ; but driving is not a Constitutionally guaranteed right, now is it ?

“I can't buy a battery at Radio Shack without giving them my information,”

Really ? If you are paying with a check or card, then id can ( and should ) be requested; but to simply make a purchase, hardly. Any info they request is to go into a customer tracking data file and you can just say “No” to those requests ( and will still have a battery sold you ).

“I can't get discounts at the grocery store without giving my information and that doesn't upset you?”

Again, any id requested is for the sake of the store's data files and to ensure you are actually entitled to those discounts. Since you ask, no, it doesn't upset in the least if you fail to receive your discounts. Sorry.

“No wonder the rest of the world thinks we are idiots.”

The world thought we were idiots long ago. With the election of G W and the rise of the rabid right in the last decade they no longer think we are: now they are absolutely sure we are and have proof.


Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Pingback posted August 11, 2010 @ 7:35 pm

[...] DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington Independent [...]


Rauljuarez
Comment posted August 14, 2010 @ 3:06 pm

first of all i,m prout to be mexican i respect the american flag thats y the mexican flag is use for unerwer or to go to the welfer office and the american flag the american people use it for mops underwer to sell drogs to comit crimes to wash your car


Sheriff Joe Arpaio Continues to Delay Civil Rights Investigation North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 17, 2010 @ 5:52 pm

[...] this month, the Department of Justice threatened to sue controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio if he did not agree to turn over documents for a civil rights investigation. But so far, the [...]


Lloydbgraham
Comment posted August 19, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

We don't need an Immigration law change, we only need the ones we have enforced which our federal Gov. does not seem much interested in doing….lbg


dfflick
Comment posted August 19, 2010 @ 6:05 pm

This administration is FAR more interested in immigration than the last one was. Deportations are up, enforcement is up, we're getting tons of new immigration and border officers….tell me EXACTLY how the federal government isn't doing what they need to be doing.

I wonder, why wasn't this an issue when W was in office?


DOJ Sues Arizona Over Immigration Practices, Again North Capitol Street
Pingback posted August 31, 2010 @ 9:02 am

[...] law. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the controversial head of law enforcement in Maricopa County, is under investigation by the Justice Department for allegations of [...]


World Wide News Flash
Trackback posted September 2, 2010 @ 1:33 pm

DOJ Threatens to Sue Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio « The Washington ……

I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog :)…


DOJ Sues Sheriff Joe Arpaio North Capitol Street
Pingback posted September 2, 2010 @ 7:27 pm

[...] hand over documents to federal investigators. The investigation started in March 2009, but the DOJ issued an ultimatum Aug. 3, telling Arpaio he needed to cooperate by Aug. 17 or would be [...]


low carb diet plan
Trackback posted October 3, 2010 @ 8:17 pm

Thank you……

My partner and i saw the following excellent blog post today related to your article……


gangsta costume
Trackback posted October 14, 2010 @ 3:07 pm

Buy Soft Toys & Childrens Toy online now!…

Another great post.Thank you for the information, Its good to see such quality posts.Im subscribing to your blog.Keep them comming….


lowest mortgage rates
Trackback posted October 14, 2010 @ 6:04 pm

Best mortgage rate today…

Excellent, You show exceedinglyprofessionaland presents wellto silent future….


boxee hulu
Trackback posted October 18, 2010 @ 3:35 am

Purchase mp3 music online…

Because of reading your blog, I decided to write my own. I had never been interested in keeping a blog until I saw how fun yours was, then I was inspired!…


quorn
Trackback posted November 10, 2010 @ 9:02 am

Healthy diet plan…

Hey, fantastic article! I will bookmark this one! Cheers…


fun games
Trackback posted November 18, 2010 @ 7:52 am

Free Games Download – Free Games Online – Free PC Games…

Such a good article, caught my sympathy!…


unikey 4
Trackback posted November 20, 2010 @ 12:24 pm

Latest Software Reviews, Software Recommendations & Software Comparison…

Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful. Ju…


stock investment advice
Trackback posted November 24, 2010 @ 8:21 am

Stock Trading Guide & Tips – Investment Advice…

How-do-you-do, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks because of your extraordinary blog layout. But seriously, I think your site has one of the freshest theme I’ve came across. It really helps make reading your blog a lo…


prototype in china
Trackback posted November 28, 2010 @ 10:46 am

Great Photography Tutorials…

I spend time on search the blog like this. Thanks for your installation guide!! regards…


online pet products
Trackback posted December 3, 2010 @ 10:45 am

Pet Supplies, Pet Accessories, Pet Products, Pet food | Pet Shop Online…

Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!…


golf flexibility
Trackback posted December 4, 2010 @ 9:52 am

Online Fitness Program and Weight Loss Exercise Plan…

These are impressive articles, I really appriciate your handiwork….


central car auction
Trackback posted December 25, 2010 @ 11:42 am

New Car Guide, Reviews & Pricing, Auto News for New Models…

Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!…


cartmel bonfire
Trackback posted December 25, 2010 @ 12:59 pm

Best Family Holiday Travel Vacation Plan…

I am really delighted to have joined up with the forum and I am excited to chatting together with people within here as time passes…


travel tips
Trackback posted December 25, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

Best Travel Tips, Tour Guide, Vacation Advice & Holiday Plan…

Hey, fantastic article! I will bookmark this one! Cheers…


health fitness
Trackback posted December 25, 2010 @ 2:02 pm

Best Weight Loss and Health Fitness Exercise Tips…

Hello from Russia!Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?…


ccleaner download
Trackback posted December 28, 2010 @ 1:35 pm

CCleaner Download Free – Speedup 300%…

I now long-established my email subscription! Appreciation!…


incorporate my business
Trackback posted February 6, 2011 @ 8:43 am

Financial & Investment Management Advisors…

Best wishes!Your blog is very good!…


wedding ceremony
Trackback posted February 6, 2011 @ 11:11 am

Unique Wedding Ideas Planning…

Nice Website. You should think more about RSS Feeds as a traffic source. They bring me a nice bit of traffic….


Jesusdamian32
Comment posted March 30, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

If the cartel wanted him dead, he already would be. They don’t operate via text messages. They are smart and have more intelligence that our government does. The Sheriff is stupid and it would only take a few hours for them to carryout an order.


RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.