On Friday, President Trump pardoned the sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted in July according to federal court order of criminal contempt as he stopped detaining Latino immigrants based on suspicion of their being illegal.
Joe Arpaio, the former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, was found to be defying a court order of 2011 in July and was convicted for being an ‘anti-immigration hardliner’.
Paul Ryan, the top Trump supporter and top Republican raised his voice against unjustified move of Trump. Ryan said that,
“Law-enforcement officials have a special responsibility to respect the rights of everyone in the United States. We should not allow anyone to believe that responsibility is diminished by this pardon.”
Trump backed up his statement by announcing that sheriff’s career and life are examples of ‘selfless public service’.
“Throughout his time as sheriff, Arpaio continued his life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration,”
Yet, the statement has not been enough to pardon a convicted criminal, specifically, the one who is responsible for regulating and controlling immigration duties.
Paul Ryan’s spokesperson, Doug Andres says that, “The speaker does not agree with the decision.”
“Law-enforcement officials have a special responsibility to respect the rights of everyone in the United States. We should not allow anyone to believe that responsibility is diminished by this pardon,” further says Doug Andres
Huge wave of criticism from Republicans has been witnessed against Trump’s move. Moreover, the public, in reaction, have shown unity with the Latino community.
Criticism emerged not only from Trump’s Republican party that include Arizona Senator, Jeb Bush, Jeff Flake but democrats equally condemned the unjustified move to pardon the sheriff.
Why Arpio, the sheriff, gained Trump’s pardon?
Joe Arpio had been an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump during presidential campaigns and supported the tough and strict policies related to illegal immigrations.
New York Times reveals that according to some anonymous officials, Mr. Trump has been asking the advice of his attorney general, Jeff Sessions and White House counselor, Donald F McGahn II to provide him with options to help his supporter, Arpaio.
However, McGahn and Sessions advised Trump that the case cannot be dropped because of heavy charges inflicted against Arpaio.
Washington Post says that Mr. Trump, after having talks with Sessions and McGain, decided to let the case reach the court. If Arpio, his long-time supporter, got convicted, he will grant clemency to him.
Moreover, Mr. Trump has been trying to drop the case for months, told anonymous US media sources.
Analysis of Trump’s pardon for Arpaio
Trump’s pardon is groundless because neither did Mr Arpaio submit any application of pardon through office of Pardon Attorney nor was Mr Arpaio eligible to be pardoned. Mr. Arpaio has been convicted for ‘a misdeamnour offence’ with a less-than-a-year jail penalty while pardon is asked for by those committing felonies. Surpisingly, Mr. Arpaio’s pardon has taken place before his being sentenced to jail, which was due on 5 October.
Trump has favored Mr. Arpaio by going beyond the legal restrictions. Ryan is adamant on the fact that Mr. Arpaio will not go without trial due to presidential pardon. Will Trump change his move once again as he often does?
