Galvin, Lesko Join Constituents Calling to End Fed Oversight of Sheriff

Over 100 residents, elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and community advocates packed the Desert West Community Center in Phoenix, AZ, on Wednesday evening, July 16, 2025, to weigh in on the future of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) federal oversight. The public meeting, led by federal monitor Robert Warshaw, took place amid growing frustration over a decade of court-mandated supervision and ballooning taxpayer costs, now exceeding $350 million.

Warshaw, who works as a national law enforcement oversight consultant for the Department of Justice, acknowledged that the Sheriff’s office has made significant progress, reporting 92% compliance with court-ordered reforms. Despite the reported progress, he noted that serious issues remain, particularly regarding alleged bias in traffic stops and delays in resolving misconduct investigations. With 360 mandates still not fully met, Warshaw made it clear that oversight will continue until the department demonstrates sustained, full compliance.

It was the cost of oversight, though, that drew the sharpest criticism.

Board of Supervisors Chair Thomas Galvin didn’t hold back. “When will this end? I want my constituents to know about this, and I’m angry about it,” he said, citing nearly $2.9 million spent this year alone on monitor fees and administrative overhead, including a leased Phoenix office.

Galvin also criticized Warshaw’s visibility, claiming he had been “hard to find,” a point challenged by the fact that these community meetings have taken place quarterly for the past ten years. This time, however, conservatives sounded the alarm—and the community showed up in force.

Supervisor Debbie Lesko blasted the continued federal involvement as a bloated example of “federal bureaucracy” siphoning resources from frontline deputies, detention officers, and dispatchers.

It was great to see many supporters of the Maricopa County Sheriff's office last night, where I asked the federal judge & monitor to end the monitoring of the office. After 18 years, 4 Sheriffs, & $300 Million on federal bureaucracy & red tape, it's time to stop the madness! pic.twitter.com/tiYP7ULWeQ

— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) July 17, 2025

Residents echoed those concerns. “Advise Judge Snow to tear up that court order,” urged resident Tom Berry to the monitor.

But not everyone agreed.

ACLU Arizona Executive Director Victoria Lopez spoke in defense of continued oversight, pointing out ongoing issues with bias in traffic stops and internal affairs delays. “They haven’t come into full compliance yet,” she reminded the crowd.

Phoenix resident Ricardo Reyes pushed back firmly against efforts to scapegoat the monitor. “That is not the monitor’s fault… that is Joe Arpaio’s fault,” he said, referencing the former sheriff’s controversial legacy that led to the court order in the first place.

State Senator Analise Ortiz described feeling unsafe at times while addressing the crowd, underscoring the emotional intensity of the evening.

With tempers flaring, frustrations mounting, and accountability still in question, one thing was clear: the public is paying attention—and the pressure is on.

Last night Supervisor @DebbieLesko gave eloquent speech at Maricopa County’s west valley meeting on federal oversight of MCSO

*$350 million in costs since 2007
*Compliance goalposts keep moving
*Monitor paid $2.9M last year
*4 sheriffs have served since lawsuit filed

(1/2) pic.twitter.com/7tMa5ErCwW

— Thomas Galvin: Chairman, Maricopa County BOS (@ThomasGalvin) July 17, 2025