Phoenix, Arizona. Home to America’s most notorious sheriff, Joe Arpaio. Serving time in Maricopa County is brutal. Inmates do their time outside in military surplus tents, 365 days a year. And the sheriff’s taken away all privileges: no television, no coffee, no cigarettes. He’s even put women on a chain gang to teach them discipline and deter crime. Some women volunteer, some join to avoid punishment, but all fifteen women commit to 30 days of hard labor chained together in the public eye. Chain Leader Kylie Marks kicks marching practice into high gear. But their time is limited; the women must spend the majority of the…

Phoenix, Arizona. Home to America’s most notorious sheriff, Joe Arpaio. Serving time in Maricopa County is brutal. Inmates do their time outside in military surplus tents, 365 days a year. And the sheriff’s taken away all privileges: no television, no coffee, no cigarettes. He’s even put women on a chain gang to teach them discipline and deter crime. Some women volunteer, some join to avoid punishment, but all fifteen women commit to 30 days of hard labor chained together in the public eye. Chain Leader Kylie Marks kicks marching practice into high gear. But their time is limited; the women must spend the majority of the Thanksgiving break trapped in their tiny cells. It’s rough justice, and not everyone’s idea of fair punishment, but it remains a remarkable story, and a portrait of a unique piece of 21st century America.