More than two dozen state lawmakers have signed a letter demanding no presidential pardon for the former sheriff of Maricopa County.
Earlier this week, President Trump told Fox News he might pardon Joe Arpaio who was convicted of criminal contempt in a racial profiling case. In their letter, legislators said a pardon would weaken respect for the law.
“Donald Trump needs to know that once you tamper with justice you’ve lost all trust,” said Rep. Cesar Chavez.
Sen. Martin Quezada said a presidential pardon would be an endorsement of racism and hatred. “Those extreme elements of our society can only be legitimized when they are catered to, they can only be empowered when we look the other way when they do wrong,” Quezada said.
Quezada said 25 Democratic colleagues quickly signed the letter, including Sen. Catherine Miranda. During Friday’s news conference, Miranda also called on Governor Doug Ducey to remove Confederate monuments and markers in Arizona.
“That’s a symbol of hatred, of racism and division,” she said. “So he has a responsibility to take those down.”
Miranda is asking community members to make their voices heard during President Trump’s visit scheduled for Tuesday night in Phoenix.
