Judge Orders Maricopa Sheriffs to End Latino Racial Profiling
Federal court renews order for Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to stop Latino racial profiling.
Why it matters: This ruling underscores accountability for law enforcement in civil rights enforcement. It affects policing practices in a major U.S. county, making it crucial for legal professionals tracking civil rights compliance.
- On Sept. 11, 2026, a federal judge ordered MCSO to end Latino racial profiling due to lack of good faith efforts.
- Maricopa County approved $353 million since 2013 for reforms related to a racial profiling settlement.
- An audit found 72% of $226 million reviewed was misused by MCSO, including spending on cable TV, a golf cart, and office renovations.
- A 2026 court-appointed monitor reported regression and leadership pressure undermining misconduct investigations.
On September 11, 2026, a federal judge renewed orders requiring the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) to cease racial profiling of Latinos after finding the office failed to demonstrate good faith efforts to end biased policing.
Since 2013, Maricopa County has allocated $353 million to settle claims and fund reforms aimed at eradicating racial profiling within the MCSO. Yet, oversight reports revealed extensive mismanagement. An audit reviewing $226 million of these funds found nearly 72% was misattributed or misappropriated. Misuse included expenditures such as $7,000 on cable TV subscriptions, $11,000 on a golf cart, $1.5 million on office renovations, and $1.7 million on Tasers, none directly tied to reform efforts, according to investigative reporting.
Further concerns emerged in June 2026 when a court-appointed monitor cited backsliding in compliance with mandated reforms. The monitor's report highlighted attempts by department leadership to pressure internal investigators and undermine misconduct probes, signaling ongoing systemic resistance to change within the sheriff's office. This was detailed in a court inquiry.
Despite these findings, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan maintains the department's stance denying racial profiling, stating, "I believe we are in compliance with the court order. We’re not a racist organization, and we don’t racial profile." His statement contrasts sharply with legal findings and audit results.
The renewed federal order reinforces judicial oversight and demands tangible progress, signaling increased scrutiny on law enforcement agencies' civil rights commitments. This development is particularly relevant to legal practitioners engaged in civil rights, police reform litigation, and compliance monitoring.
By the numbers:
- $353 million — total settlement-related spending approved since 2013
- 72% — portion of $226 million reviewed funds misappropriated by MCSO
- $1.5 million — spent on office renovations unrelated to reforms
Yes, but: The sheriff asserts compliance and denies racial profiling despite judicial findings, highlighting internal conflict over reform progress.
What's next: Further court oversight and enforcement actions may follow if MCSO fails to comply with reform orders.