Arizona’s Immigrant Communities Face Uncertainty Amid New Leadership and Proposition 314
Immigrant communities in Arizona are feeling uneasy following the recent election results, which saw Jerry Sheridan, a former associate of Joe Arpaio, elected to lead the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. This change in leadership coincides with the approval of Proposition 314, an anti-immigration measure.
Proposition 314, passed by voters, authorizes state law enforcement to apprehend individuals suspected of entering the U.S. outside designated entry points. It effectively criminalizes crossing the border at any location other than an official port of entry. However, this measure’s enforcement is uncertain due to a stipulation delaying its implementation until a similar Texas law, Senate Bill 4, has been in effect for 60 days. This Texas law is currently facing legal challenges for potential conflicts with federal immigration laws.
Skepticism Surrounds Proposition 314’s Enforcement
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of Proposition 314, individuals like Alexia Isais, a teacher in South Phoenix, remain skeptical about Sheridan’s intentions. Given Sheridan’s history as Arpaio’s “right-hand man,” she doubts his assurances that the Maricopa County deputies will not enforce the proposition. The Arizona Republic reported that Sheridan interprets the law to apply only if someone is caught “coming over the fence” at the border.
Christine Wee, a senior attorney with the ACLU of AZ, stated that her organization is approaching Sheridan’s office with the expectation that he will adhere to federal court orders and refrain from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Sheridan, who declined to comment for The Copper Courier, inherits a department previously under federal oversight for discriminatory practices during his tenure as Arpaio’s chief deputy. Despite anticipated policy shifts under the Trump administration, Wee believes that federal oversight will persist as it was mandated by a federal district court judge.
Community Concerns Over Sheridan’s Leadership
Rebecca Denis, a family justice organizer with Poder in Action, voiced concerns over Sheridan’s leadership, citing his past actions while serving under Arpaio. Sheridan’s association with previous practices, such as racial profiling, raises alarms for immigrant families. Denis emphasized that “actions speak a lot louder than words,” pointing to Sheridan’s civil contempt of court and placement on the Brady List for credibility issues.
Arpaio’s controversial tenure included unconstitutional sweeps of Latino neighborhoods, leading to a class-action lawsuit, Melendres vs. Arpaio. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office eventually complied with federal court orders, costing Arizona taxpayers over $300 million.
Denis remarked that the policing system is inherently violent and racist, asserting that immigrant communities have historically relied on themselves for safety rather than promises from officials. “Our community knows how to band together,” she said, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity.
