Annie Loyd, independent candidate for US Congress District 3 participated in the community leader press conference denouncing the "neighborhood sweeps" being conducted by MCSO Sheriff Arpaio on March 21st, 2008.
"Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced through a press release his intentions to conduct a neighborhood sweep in the area of 32nd St and Thomas in Phoenix, Arizona.
It is important for all citizens in Arizona to understand that the actions taken by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) under the direction of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio are in violation of the 287g agreement with ICE authorizing the MCSO to go after known criminals.
The fact that an individual is in the United States without proper documentation is not a criminal act. It is unconstitutional to use racial profiling and conduct these "neighborhood sweeps." These actions place our neighborhoods that have worked diligently and in the spirit of cooperation with local law enforcement to decrease dangerous criminal activity at risk of individuals witnessing a crime being less likely to come forward and assist local law enforcement.
We have substantial evidence throughout history to know that this behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society. It is imperative that our local, state and federal elected representatives act immediately to put an end to the racially profiling and tactics of intimidation being conducted under the misguided leadership of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
In previous "round-ups" the MCSO has arrested and detained citizens of the United States and several lawsuits regarding civil and human rights violations are not pending.
I urge our elected representatives, community and faith leaders to take a strong stand and denounce these actions immediately. We must restore the rights of individuals and uphold our constitution." - Annie Loyd
After being encouraged by the MCSO Sheriff Arpaio at a meeting on Thursday March 20, 2008 to come out and "support" the unconstitutional actions of Sheriff Arpaio, members of United for a Sovereign America came out to demonstrate at the press conference. Some members of United for a Sovereign America have been exposed as nativist and active members of known "hate groups" by the Southern Poverty Law Center in the recent issue of its Intelligence Report magazine.
During the press conference, by community leaders, several individuals associating with this group, United for a Sovereign America, loudly revved their motorcycles and drove through the crowd gathered for the community leader press conference.
"It seems obvious to me that Sheriff Arpaio is working to incite a violent incident in our community, this is unacceptable behavior by a law enforcement official," Annie Loyd
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