Mariposa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been dubbed "America's toughest sheriff" by Arizona residents. In an ABC Nightline package that aired this week, Arpaio seemed to tout his prisons as the model for tough punishment: outdoor tents erected in the desert sun because his cells are overflowing, inmates wearing prison stripes and humiliating pink underwear and suspects apprehended with pink handcuffs.
Arpaio told Nightline he's an "equal-opportunity enforcement and incarcerator." He said he locks up everyone.
But the "Do not enter illegally" signs on his sheriff vans and the hotline he created specifically for tips related to illegal immigration have lead some to believe he's only looking to lock up illegal immigrants.
According to ABC, Arpaio has taken it upon himslef to apply federal laws regarding immigration to a recent Arizona mandate that says it's a criminal offense to bring illegal foreign nationals into the state. Arpaio said migrants are accessories to the crime and encourages his deputies to use minor traffic violations as impetus to arrest them.
According to ABC, deputies set up traps near locations where employers are known to pick up migrant workers to catch illegals in "routine" traffic stops.
The report bordered on charging Arpaio with racial profiling. He countered, saying illegals commit more crimes.
Police in Pheonix and Mesa, Ariz., told Nightline their statistics refute Arpaio's claim and crime is actually worse in Arpaio's sector.
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