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Arpaio was a frequent target of [[liberal]]s who opposed his tough-on-crime policies.

Arpaio was a frequent target of [[liberal]]s who opposed his tough-on-crime policies.

In August 1993, Arpaio started the nation’s largest "tent city" for convicted inmates. The facility held two thousand convicted men and women in canvas tents, something which was criticized by liberals for not having air conditioning in over 100° heat<ref name=cbs16/> and for having inmates subjected to the elements.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mcso.org/Home/Jailsa|title=Jails|accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref> Those conditions resulted in inmate lawsuits, and Arpaio's Democrat succesor is closing down the facility which he estimates will save $4.5 million per year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tent-city-arizona-crews-dismantling-jail-yards-sheriff-paul-penzone/|title=Crews begin dismantling Joe Arpaio's controversial "Tent City" complex in Arizona|date=May 24,2017|work=CBS News|accessdate=May 26,2017}}</ref>

In August 1993, Arpaio started the nation’s largest "tent city" for convicted inmates. The facility held two thousand convicted men and women in canvas tents, something which was criticized by liberals for not having air conditioning in over 100° heat<ref name=cbs16/> and for having inmates subjected to the elements.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mcso.org/Home/Jailsa|title=Jails|accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref> Those conditions resulted in inmate lawsuits, and Arpaio's Democrat succesor is closing down the facility which he estimates will save $4.5 million per year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tent-city-arizona-crews-dismantling-jail-yards-sheriff-paul-penzone/|title=Crews begin dismantling Joe Arpaio's controversial "Tent City" complex in Arizona|date=May 24, 2017|work=CBS News|accessdate=May 26, 2017}}</ref>

Arpaio drew criticism for his handling of sexual offenses, with at least 400 cases, including several involving child sexual abuse, being 'inadequately investigated' if investigated at all. Some have connected this apparent negligence with the fact that in many cases the victims were illegal immigrants.<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/critics-tough-sheriff-botched-sex-crime-cases-185852410.html</ref> During the years 2004 to 2009, Maricopa County paid $14.5 million in claims regarding the sheriff's office, and another $6.4 million for claims against the jail health service for failure to diagnose, deliberate indifference and suicides.<ref name=claims/>

Arpaio drew criticism for his handling of sexual offenses, with at least 400 cases, including several involving child sexual abuse, being 'inadequately investigated' if investigated at all. Some have connected this apparent negligence with the fact that in many cases the victims were illegal immigrants.<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/critics-tough-sheriff-botched-sex-crime-cases-185852410.html</ref> During the years 2004 to 2009, Maricopa County paid $14.5 million in claims regarding the sheriff's office, and another $6.4 million for claims against the jail health service for failure to diagnose, deliberate indifference and suicides.<ref name=claims/>

In 1999, undercover deputies arrested 18-year old James Saville for plotting to kill Arpaio with a pipe bomb.  On July 9, 2003, a Maricopa County Superior Court jury acquitted Saville, finding that the bomb plot was an elaborate publicity stunt to boost Arpaio's reelection bid.<ref>Bommersbach, Jana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100823214228/http://www.janabommersbach.com/pm-fea-feb05.php Will Sheriff Joe Stop at Nothing?] ''PHOENIX Magazine'', February 2005.</ref> In 2004, Saville sued both Arpaio and Maricopa County for wrongful arrest and entrapment, seeking $10 million in damages. In 2008, the suit was settled by Maricopa County paying Saville $1.6 million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson |first=John |url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2008/10/arpaios_phony_murder_plot_cost.php |title=A Phony Murder Plot Against Joe Arpaio Winds Up Costing Taxpayers $1.1 Million |publisher=Phoenix New Times |date=October 28, 2008 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Dougherty, John |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2004-06-24/news/in-the-crosshairs/ |title=In the Crosshairs |newspaper=Phoenix New Times |date=June 24, 2004 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref><ref name=claims>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/23/20100523maricopa-county-taxpayers-claims.html |title=Claims vs. county cost taxpayers $71 mil |newspaper=The Arizona Republic |date=May 23, 2010 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref>

In 1999, undercover deputies arrested 18-year old James Saville for plotting to kill Arpaio with a pipe bomb.  On July 9, 2003, a Maricopa County Superior Court jury acquitted Saville, finding that the bomb plot was an elaborate publicity stunt to boost Arpaio's reelection bid.<ref>Bommersbach, Jana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100823214228/http://www.janabommersbach.com/pm-fea-feb05.php Will Sheriff Joe Stop at Nothing?] ''PHOENIX Magazine'', February 2005.</ref> In 2004, Saville sued both Arpaio and Maricopa County for wrongful arrest and entrapment, seeking $10 million in damages. In 2008, the suit was settled by Maricopa County paying Saville $1.6 million.<ref name=claims>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/23/20100523maricopa-county-taxpayers-claims.html |title=Claims vs. county cost taxpayers $71 mil |newspaper=The Arizona Republic |date=May 23, 2010 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dickerson |first=John |url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2008/10/arpaios_phony_murder_plot_cost.php |title=A Phony Murder Plot Against Joe Arpaio Winds Up Costing Taxpayers $1.1 Million |publisher=Phoenix New Times |date=October 28, 2008 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Dougherty, John |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2004-06-24/news/in-the-crosshairs/ |title=In the Crosshairs |newspaper=Phoenix New Times |date=June 24, 2004 |accessdate=Aug 26, 2017}}</ref>

Arpaio was convicted in federal court for misdemeanor contempt of court. On August 25, 2017, President [[Donald Trump]] pardoned Arpaio, noting his over 50 years of "exemplary" public service and fighting illegal immigration in the White House statement of the pardon.<ref>Multiple references:

Arpaio was convicted in federal court for misdemeanor contempt of court. On August 25, 2017, President [[Donald Trump]] pardoned Arpaio, noting his over 50 years of "exemplary" public service and fighting illegal immigration in the White House statement of the pardon.<ref>Multiple references: