A federal case against the Alamance county sheriff accused of illegally targeting Latino drivers is going to trial today.
The U.S. Justice Department has accused Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson of illegally targeting Latino drivers as well as arresting and detaining people without probable cause.
Federal officials say Johnson ordered roadblocks in neighborhoods with Latino residents. They say deputies detained people with darker skin, while residents with lighter skin were waved through. Alamance County used to participate in a now-dismantled federal program that gave local law enforcement officers the power to assist in deportations.
Justice Department officials and the sheriff's office tried mediation to settle the case, but it was not successful.
Johnson is running for reelection in November.
