Article Summary –
Immigrants in Arizona are worried after Jerry Sheridan, linked to past anti-immigrant policies, became sheriff and Prop 314 passed, criminalizing unauthorized border entry. Concerns persist about Sheridan’s potential enforcement of the law despite his claims otherwise, amid ongoing federal oversight.
Arizona immigrants are worried after an election reintroduces Jerry Sheridan, ex-ally of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, to lead Maricopa County’s largest law enforcement agency. Additionally, the state’s approval of anti-immigration Proposition 314 heightens tensions.
Prop 314 allows state law enforcement to arrest anyone suspected of entering the U.S. outside authorized ports, designating it a state crime. However, enforcement is paused until a similar Texas law, Senate Bill 4, is in effect for 60 days, while facing legal challenges for conflicting with federal immigration law.
Will Prop 314 be enforced?
Despite uncertainties, people like Alexia Isais, a teacher in South Phoenix, prepare for potential enforcement. Isais distrusts Sheridan based on his past actions under Arpaio, who was known for unconstitutional sweeps of Latino neighborhoods.
Sheridan claims Maricopa County deputies won’t enforce Prop 314 under his watch, interpreting it as requiring an active border crossing. However, the Arizona Republic reports skepticism remains due to his prior civil contempt conviction for disobeying court orders.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of AZ anticipates that Sheridan will adhere to federal court orders, avoiding enforcement of federal immigration laws, according to Christine Wee, senior staff attorney.
Why not trust Sheridan?
Activists like Rebecca Denis from Poder in Action view Sheridan’s office as potentially perilous for immigrant families, citing his history of civil contempt and inclusion on the Brady List for credibility issues.
Jerry Sheridan’s tenure with Arpaio, who received a presidential pardon in 2017 for contempt, is marked by a legacy of racial profiling, ruled unconstitutional in a 2007 class-action lawsuit, Melendres vs. Arpaio.
Despite federal oversight of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Denis argues communities must rely on themselves for safety, battling systemic issues that persist despite promises from law enforcement.
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