After declining to hand over documents to investigators detailing recent forceful tactics against illegal immigrants to examine whether they are a violation of civil rights, Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona’s Maricopa County was sued by the Justice Department. This lawsuit is the third filed by the Justice Department in relation to how Arizona authorities deal with illegal immigrants.
A federal grand jury is currently investigating Arpaio for misappropriation of federal money and intimidation of opponents. Governor Jan Brewer was questioned about the state’s new immigration law as well as the recent suit against Maricopa County community colleges for putting unlawful requirements on immigrants seeking work.