FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Organizations Urge President Trump Not to Pardon former Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Washington, D.C. – August 22, 2017 – Today Voto Latino released a letter from a coalition of 70 diverse organizations calling on President Donald Trump not to pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
The letter was signed by organizations including ACLU, AFT, HRC, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, MALDEF, National Urban League, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, PPFA, United We Dream, and UnidosUS who stated that a federal court has found Arpaio guilty of implicating gross violations of civil and human rights, and President Trump should not absolve Arpaio of his crimes.
During his 24 year tenure as a sheriff in Arizona, Arpaio used his position of authority to drive a personal agenda of hate and racism through a brutal assault on Maricopa County’s Latino population. Tactics he used included racial profiling of children, tourists, legal residents, and U.S. citizens – often detaining them for hours at a time without a criminal charge or warrant. He inflicted inhumane punishments that involved torture, humiliation, and degradation of Latino inmates.
“70 advocacy organizations joined today to stand up for fellow Americans and immigrants alike. We urge the president not to pardon Joe Arpaio. A federal court has already spoken and determined his guilt for gross violations of human rights,” said President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar.
Absolving Arpaio of his crimes would be Trump’s first presidential pardon, and would send a clear message that the administration will not fight for the rights of all Americans.
The letter was sent ahead of Trump’s campaign rally in Arizona scheduled on Tuesday evening.
See the full letter and list of organizations here
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Voto Latino is a pioneering civic media organization that seeks to transform America by recognizing Latinos’ innate leadership. Through innovative digital campaigns, pop culture, and grassroots voices, we provide culturally relevant programs that engage, educate and empower Latinos to be agents of change. Together, we aim to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.