A Republican congressman from Arizona on Monday called for President Trump to pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
“The Sheriff’s criminal conviction was the culmination of a political witch hunt by the Obama administration to sideline and destroy a formidable opponent,” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said in a statement.
In a letter to President Trump, Biggs said the manner in which Arpaio was tried and convicted was highly politicized and that his desire to uphold immigration laws was met by fierce opposition from former President Obama’s Justice Department under Eric Holder.
Arpaio was held in criminal contempt of court last month for refusing to follow orders from a judge to halt traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. He reportedly continued with his traffic patrols for 17 months despite the judge’s orders.
Trump told Fox News last week that he was considering a pardon for Arpaio, whom he considers “a great American patriot.”
“I am seriously considering a pardon for Sheriff Arpaio, he has done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration,” Trump said. “I hate to see what has happened to him.”
Biggs is calling on President Trump to honor Arpaio’s service, which dates back to 1950, and to show his gratitude by offering him a pardon.
“Mr. President, Sheriff Arpaio deserves to live out the rest of his days in peace and confidence that he did his part to uphold the laws of his country. He should not be facing a jail sentence or any form of punishment. I respectfully encourage you to follow through with your intentions to pardon Sheriff Joe Arpaio and to convey a message of gratitude for his distinguished record of service to this country,” Biggs wrote in a letter to Trump.
President Trump will travel to Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday to hold a rally.
