Jose Bello, a native of Mexico City, led the swearing-in of Sheriff Joe Arpaio to his fifth four-year term as Maricopa County Sheriff. Bello, who became a U.S. citizen last month, has two children who work as detention officers for the sheriff’s office. His wife is also a naturalized citizen.
“Illegal immigration is an important issue facing his office and this community,” Arpaio said. “I have tried to inform the public that I support and encourage immigrants to come to this country provided they do so legally. That’s why I wanted to find someone who took all the steps necessary to become a citizen to swear me in as Sheriff.”
Bello said he was ”honored” to participate in the ceremony, adding that he “understands” Arpaio’s stance on illegal immigration.
“I have tried to inform the public that I support and encourage immigrants to come to this country provided they do so legally,” Sheriff Arpaio said.
Arpaio is the son of legal immigrants from Italy.
January 5, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Good move, Joe! Your unique background gives you excellent standing both for your efforts in enforcing the law and in understanding the difference between legal and illegal immigration. You have my vote any day of the week!
January 6, 2009 at 9:41 am
And to hear John Shadegg tell it, Republicans standing for immigration law enforcement are just a bunch of intolerant xenophobes. Arpaio for Congress from AZ-3! But then we would lose the best county sheriff in the country.