Demos Statement in Response to Trump’s Pardon of Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio

New York, NY – In response to Donald Trump’s pardon of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Demos Vice President of External Affairs Tori O'Neal-McElrath released the following statement:

"Tonight Donald Trump has doubled down on his bigoted and hateful rhetoric with his pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who has been found guilty of racial profiling of Latinos. Trump has again sided with white supremacists who seek to divide our nation with racism. 

Trump has again sided with white supremacists who seek to divide our nation with racism.

"Joe Arpaio racially profiled Latinos through his unconstitutional ‘immigration patrols,’ sowing fear in Arizona communities. When his actions were deemed illegal, he continued in spite of a federal court order and was found to be in criminal contempt. Tonight, Donald Trump gave him a Presidential pardon, again demonstrating to American families and the world that even after the white supremacy that was on full display in Charlottesville, he believes racially-charged actions are acceptable. 

"Earlier today, Donald Trump signed an order banning transgender Americans from joining the military. This is not a coincidence. Donald Trump continues to promulgate an America that doesn't view all people equally and instead divides us based on race, sexuality, religion, and gender. 

"We are more than the hate we have been forced to endure in these painful weeks and months. Latino families and other people of color and our allies are appalled, but we will rise up together as a multiracial Demos and resist the forces attempting to tear our nation apart.”

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