Issued August 25, 2017
WASHINGTON—SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement on President Trump’s pardon of former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, Joe Arpaio:
“Trump's pardon of convicted criminal Sheriff Joe Arpaio represents an endorsement of racism and shows blatant contempt for our civil rights, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.
“As sheriff, Arpaio took delight in humiliating those in his custody. He unlawfully terrorized communities of color in Maricopa County, and he willfully continued his racist illegal behavior when his department was found guilty by a federal court of racially profiling Latinos and violating their constitutional rights.
"There is no valid reason for this pardon. Sheriff Arpaio supported Trump's campaign, and the President clearly agrees with Arpaio's racist ideology. Using the pardon power to reward convicted criminals based on their political support is a corrupt abuse of power."