Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyWhen Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio marched more than 200 inmates into "Tent City" last week, he touched off another controversy.
All those inmates are in the United States illegally, and they've been secluded into one area of the jail.
Some now say it's racial segregation.
While speaking to the County Board of Supervisors, Special Assistant to the County Attorney Barnett Lotstein said, "Racial segregation is unconstitutional. I don't think there's any dispute about that. It's the law not only in Maricopa County but throughout the US."
Late last week, The County Board of Supervisors asked Attorney Andrew Thomas to advise them of their legal options.
"I think the concern was that a statement was made that could cost the county a lot of money," explained County Supervisor, Mary Rose Wilcox.
But the County Attorney did not show up to Monday's meeting. Instead, he sent his special assistant. Thomas' absence clearly upset some supervisors, like Don Stapley.
"I am disappointed that the County Attorney did not accept the invitation to be here," said Stapley. I am also disappointed that he doesn't directly interact with board members. I have not had any substantive conversation with him in three years because he won't return my phone calls."
Lotstein said the board must seek legal advise through the proper channels.
"I informed the board today that it was inappropriate for them to seek legal advice in a public forum," said Lotstein.
Until that is done, his office will remain behind the fence, as Arpaio's controversial measures continue to stir emotion inside an outside of tent city.
