Melendres v. Arpaio and Sheriff Joe’s Immigration Sweeps
In Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office ran traffic and street sweeps targeting Latino drivers under the banner of immigration enforcement. Latino residents sued in Melendres v. Arpaio, and a federal court found systematic racial profiling, imposed a sweeping injunction and appointed a monitor. Arpaio later was held in contempt for violating the court’s orders.
The sheriff’s immigration patrols were curtailed, and the county paid millions in legal fees and damages.
The case became a cautionary tale that aggressive immigration policing can trigger long‑term federal oversight and personal legal risk for officials.
Melendres shows how local or federal authorities who push immigration sweeps too far can end up under detailed court supervision, much like ICE now faces in Chicago.
