By Yasser F. Sanchez | Point of View
In the recent televised debates between Maricopa County Sheriff’s Candidates Tyler Kamp and Jerry Sheridan, a clear message was delivered: One candidate represents the future, and another candidate represents a dangerous past.
Jerry Sheridan, Joe Arpaio’s former chief deputy, is part of the reason Maricopa County taxpayers are footing the bill for a $350 million dollar lawsuit known as the Melendres case.
The case came about after Arpaio and Sheridan were found to be unconstitutionally targeting Latino and Hispanic communities via illegal traffic stops and neighborhood roundups. Arpaio and Sheridan additionally defied court orders, landing them in more hot water. Sheridan has been found in contempt of court.
Yet, in last month’s PBS Debate, Jerry Sheridan suggested that if he were elected Sheriff he would defy a federal judge again if he felt it was right. After the debate, he immediately denied saying this. Then, two weeks later, Sheridan reiterated that he was not ashamed of what he did about his defiance of federal Judge Snow. That is unconscionable and should be disqualifying.
Tyler Kamp, on the other hand, has made it clear numerous times that he won’t defy a federal judge and that his mission is to get MCSO to graduate from these costly court orders. Kamp understands that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is not allowed to enforce federal immigration law, saying often, “We need to stay in our lane.”
I want a Sheriff who doesn’t defy federal judges, who won’t unconstitutionally target people of color, and who is focused on continuing the legacy of Sheriff Penzone and not Joe Arpaio. That’s Tyler Kamp and he has my full support.
Editor’s Note: Yasser F. Sanchez is the founder and managing member of the Sanchez Immigration Law Firm. Mr. Sanchez is recognized as one of the top immigration attorneys in the American West.
