US Justice Department sues controversial Arizona sheriff

Sep 2, 2010, 17:59 GMT

Washington - The US Justice Department on Thursday sued a prominent Arizona county police chief known for his anti-immigration stance over his refusal to cooperate with an investigation into his department's alleged discrimination against Hispanics.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County has drawn national attention for a high-profile campaign against illegal immigration. The sheriff erected a 'tent city' makeshift prison to hold illegal immigrants and ordered deputies to conduct sweeps in cities by stopping people for traffic violations and then asking for residency papers.

The Justice Department has alleged that Arpaio is discriminating against people of Hispanic origin and slammed the sheriff for an 'unprecedented' failure to comply with its investigation. The lawsuit seeks access to documents and facilities in the county and was filed in federal court in Phoenix, Arizona.

The state of Arizona has also been in the cross-hairs of the federal government over a tough illegal immigration law that critics believe will spark racial profiling. A judge last month ordered a preliminary injunction against key elements of the Arizona law.