The U.S. Department of Justice filed Thursday a
complaint against the controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and
Maricopa County, where he works, alleging discrimination against
Latinos and other unconstitutional practices.
"The police are supposed to protect and serve our communities, not
divide them. At its core, this is an abuse of power case by the
sheriff and the sheriff's office," Thomas Perez, assistant attorney
general for the civil rights division of the United States Department
of Justice, told a press conference in Phoenix Thursday.
"Constitutional policing and effective policing go hand in hand."
The complaint also alleges that the Maricopa County Sheriff's
Office engaged in discriminatory jail practices against Latino
inmates with limited English skills, and in illegal retaliation
against their perceived critics.
