Live
Audio Only
Joe Arpaio, the self-styled "America's toughest sheriff” from Arizona, has endorsed Donald Trump for president, citing in his statement that it is because the property tycoon is “ready to get tough” on “illegal immigration.”
"Donald Trump is a leader. He produces results and is ready to get tough in order to protect American jobs and families. I have fought on the front lines to prevent illegal immigration. I know Donald Trump will stand with me and countless Americans to secure our border. I am proud to support him as the best candidate for President of the United States of America," Arizona's Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio said in a statement provided by Trump's campaign Tuesday.
In a different statement, Trump returned the compliments, admiring Arpaio for his hard reputation against illegal immigration.
ANALYSIS: Top 5 Donald Trump Insults from British Parliamentary Debate
"I have great respect for Sheriff Arpaio. We must restore law and order on the border and respect the men and women of our police forces. I thank him for his support of my policies and candidacy for president," Trump said.
Arpaio has grabbed headlines since becoming Maricopa Country sheriff in 1993, for incidents including forcing dozens of Arizona inmates to eat only bread and water as a punishment for destroying U.S. flags.
He is a vocal opponent to U.S. President Barack Obama, claiming that the head of state’s birth certificate is fake, and filing a lawsuit over his immigration policy.
The 83-year-old has been found guilty of racial profiling in a federal court, and been accused of abuse of power, misuse of funds and unlawful enforcement of immigration laws.
WATCH: Media Review - Donald Trump
Newsletter
