CAIR-AZ Applauds US District Court Ruling Preventing MCSO From Racial Profiling

CAIR-AZ Applauds U.S. District Court Ruling Preventing Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office from Racial Profiling

(Phoenix, AZ – 5/25/13)

The Council on American Islamic Relations – Arizona Chapter welcomed a Friday ruling in U.S. District Court that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his deputies violated the civil rights of Latinos by racial profiling during raids and traffic stops.

According to the ruling, it is now illegal to use “race or ancestry” as a factor when making traffic stops. The ruling also makes it illegal to detain or report individuals to federal immigration authorities based on “reasonable belief” alone.

“It is refreshing to see the Constitutional protections afforded to all Americans – such as the 4th Amendment in this case, being protected and upheld by the U.S. District Court.” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-AZ Board Member.

Siddiqi also stated “Additionally, we have been a strong opponent of racial and religious profiling – specifically the provisions of SB 1070, since they were introduced. By implementing this ruling, this will ensure that law enforcement is not over-reaching and abusing its power when it comes to the area of immigration.”