Possible pardon of Arizona sheriff prompts racism outcry

PHOENIX — U.S. President Donald Trump said he might grant a pardon to former Sheriff Joe Arpaio after his recent conviction in federal court, prompting outrage among critics who said the move would amount to an endorsement of racism.

The report was welcome news for the former Phoenixarea sheriff, who lost a reelection bid in November and who was convicted of misdemeanour contempt of court on July 31. But it angered immigrant rights activists and others on the same day that Trump disavowed white nationalists whose rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned deadly last weekend.

A federal judge ruled in 2013 that Arpaio’s officers racially profiled Latinos. But the sheriff refused to stop his immigration patrols, eventually leading to the criminal contempt of court case.

Arpaio said Monday that he was glad the president stood by him: “I didn’t ask for it, but if he’s going to offer, I will accept, because I’m not guilty.”

Arpaio’s lawyer filed two motions on Monday for a judgment of acquittal and to vacate the verdict for a new trial.

Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director for the ACLU, said that court orders prohibited illegal detention of Latinos.

“Make no mistake: This would be an official presidential endorsement of racism,” Wang said.