Has Maricopa County Really Changed

Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 27, 2026 · 1m

A federal judge faces a pivotal decision: should over a decade of court oversight for Maricopa County’s Sheriff’s Office end, or continue? The case stems from past racial profiling under Sheriff Joe Arpaio, with the county now claiming full reform — new policies, trained staff, no violations. But plaintiffs push back, citing recent traffic stop disparities and internal discipline failures as proof the agency hasn’t truly changed. The judge’s ruling will determine if the Sheriff’s Office has achieved lasting, constitutionally sound reform — or if federal watch is still essential to prevent a…