CWS urges White House to end its hateful agenda
Washington, D.C. – Last Friday, President Trump pardoned former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, after he was convicted of criminal contempt for violating a court order to prohibit him from racial profiling. Arpaio’s track record of divisive, hateful, and racially-motivated policies discriminated against immigrants and people of color. A pardon for Arpaio is a pardon of those policies. As the President’s first major action since the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville and amidst reports that he may terminate DACA, the message is clear: this administration has no interest in building bridges and will continue to advance its broader agenda to divide, not unite.
“To pardon former Sheriff Arpaio for violating a court order against racial profiling is to absolve him of years of terrorizing immigrants and people of color in Arizona,” said the Rev. John L. McCullough, CWS President and CEO. “Race-based policing and forcing local police to abandon community safety in the name of targeting immigrants reverses years of intentional, community-based policing efforts that are vital to public safety. Faith communities across traditions have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our immigrant neighbors, and CWS continues to work toward racial equity and inclusive policies that uphold the dignity of all people.”
Local police departments know that when all individuals can report dangerous situations and seek protection from violence without the fear of being deported and separated from their families, safety increases for everyone. CWS urges cities to strengthen policies that foster community trust with police and protect all members of our communities.
Since 1946, Church World Service has supported refugees, immigrants and other displaced individuals, in addition to providing sustainable relief and development solutions to communities that wrestle with hunger and poverty. To learn more, please visit GreaterAs1.org.
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