A U.S. judge rules that an Arizona police sergeant targeted Hispanics when enforcing the law

A U.S. judge ruled that an Arizona police sergeant targeted Hispanics when enforcing the law. A U.S. federal judge ruled that an Arizona sheriff known for his hard-line policies used immigration patrols...

U.S. District Judge Snow ruled in Phoenix on Friday that Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio and his subordinates unfairly targeted Hispanic motorists during traffic enforcement and identity checks.

A controversial Arizona law allows law enforcement officers to stop motorists at will to check their immigration status. Judge Snow said Arpaio used racial profiling to make law enforcement decisions. He said evidence shows the Maricopa County Police Department equates Latino or Mexican workers, rather than whites or blacks, with illegal immigrants in particular.

Last year, some Latino motorists sued Arpaio, accusing his police officers of using race in deciding who to stop for vehicle inspections. The lawsuit does not seek damages, only corrective behavior.

U.S. civil rights groups praised the ruling. Hispanic civil rights groups also praised the ruling and looked forward to seeing the Maricopa County Police Department implement reforms. Arpaio, who won re-election in November, has not commented on the ruling and is expected to appeal.

Located on the U.S.-Mexico border, Arizona is often at the center of debates over U.S. immigration policy.