Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Fmr. Sheriff of Maricopa County, AZ. NOT RETIRED! US Army Veteran, Former Cop & Top DEA Official. Read my book, Sheriff Joe Arpaio: An American Legend🇺🇸

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

Honored by President Trump's heartfelt words about me on stage today at his Phoenix, AZ rally.

Over the past 11 years Donald Trump has been my friend, ally, and my only hero in my life. I have always believed in him and always will! He has a spine of steel and a heart of gold!🇺🇲

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

“OPERATION INTERCEPT,” BLUEBERRY PIE, AND A DEAD US AGENT IN MEXICO:

In recent years, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard spoke before the Mexican Senate accusing me of being a murderer and a gun smuggler, no doubt to destroy my reputation and to direct threats against me by the cartels.

Only 8 days after Ebrard’s remarks, he travelled to Washington DC to meet with President Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss gun smuggling and illegal immigration, more than likely in connection with my history of arresting illegal aliens. Noted, when Obama and Biden took office in 2009, they made me an official target in their “First 100 Days” in office report.

Secretary Ebrard’s threatening words against me was published throughout the Hispanic media in Spanish, since the listeners do not speak English. This aggravated the Hispanic community and put me in danger based on false information, especially by the cartels who have been documented placing expensive bounties on me in the past. For over 3 years, Ebrard has been completely avoiding my defamation lawsuit against him. Ebrard previously ran for President of Mexico, and he now serves as the Secretary of Mexico’s economy. By travelling to Washington DC to meet with Advisor Sullivan, Ebrard and Sullivan had to have conducted a thorough investigation into me and realized my history working in cooperation with the Mexican government in stopping crime, including drug smuggling, gun trafficking, and illegal immigration. They would have also known about my role in “Operation Intercept.”

In 1969, I planned and coordinated President Richard Nixon’s “Operation Intercept,” which shut down the US/Mexican border for nearly two weeks. It should be noted that the operation occurred during the Vietnam War while President Nixon was pursuing successes in the USA and the border. My friend and close ally, the US Deputy Attorney General Richard Kleindiest, was also heavily involved in the operation as well as many other sensitive investigations we worked on together. Also, Roger Stone, the famous public official and advisor to many US presidents, was also closely aligned with President Nixon.

Three days before “Operation Intercept” was initiated, George Emrich, the regional director of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now known as the DEA) was found dead in Mexico. Reportedly, he had “accidentally” drowned. His assistant, Edward Heath, was suspicious and demanded a formal homicide investigation. I have known Edward Heath for many years. He has always been a devoted family man, a patriot, a professional, and one who does not lie or exaggerate.

Subsequently, the director of the DEA personally assigned me to replace the deceased regional director crediting my successes working for the agency in Turkey and the USA. I in turn became the youngest regional director in the history of the organization at the age of 37. I was concerned and grew increasingly suspicious of what I might face personally and officially by the US and Mexican governments if a US regional director was murdered and covered up. There is no doubt that my appointment was controversial and my authority in Mexico could have been revoked by top Mexican government officials, especially the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

After I took office as regional director, the Attorney General of Mexico Pedro Ojeda Paullada asked to meet me in private, which I agreed to over dinner. Strangely, the attorney general arrived without a bodyguard. My 6th sense told me not to bring up the circumstances surrounding my predecessor’s death unprovoked and therefore the subject was never mentioned. Subsequently, the attorney general enjoyed American whiskey and my wife’s blueberry pie.

When I have dinner guests, I usually play my favorite song “My Way.” I am glad that I did not play the song because the attorney general would not have liked the lyrics and how it defines my mindset. "I did it My Way!" By keeping my cards close to my chest by not speaking about the death of the regional director that I replaced, I was accepted by the Mexican officials and had averted opening a Pandora’s Box.” As time went on, I developed strong working relationships with the Mexican government and received many official awards and written commendations, including from top Mexican officials. However, to this day I am still concerned and wonder about the unusual death of my predecessor.

US Congressman Andy Biggs wrote to Advisor Sullivan in defense of me, stating that Ebrard’s statements were falsely blaming me for “Operation Fast and Furious,” one of the worst government scandals in US history, led by Obama/Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder.

Congressman Biggs was the only political figure who supported me. Also, I worked in law enforcement under 11 US presidents, and I always said that President Nixon was the only president who really cracked down on the drug and illegal immigration problem until Donald Trump became the president of the United States. President Trump personally took charge of this problem with a “hands on” approach, risking his life travelling to foreign countries to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration from the source!

[Wendy Rogers @WendyRogersAZ]

Honored beyond words to be endorsed by our nation’s most famous sheriff who’s LONG ADMIRED for his timeless GRIT, DETERMINATION, and DAUNTLESS LOVE OF COUNTRY. Thank you, sir!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

I am proud to endorse Wendy Rogers - again - for reelection to the Arizona State Senate (Legislative District 7)!

Senator Rogers served in the US Air Force for 20 years and is a proven fighter for the people of Arizona and for President Trump- who she fiercely fought for since 2015. Senator Rogers and I are also fiercely fighting to elect US Congressman Andy Biggs for Arizona Governor and also Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen for Attorney General.

Andy Biggs, Warren Petersen, and Wendy Rogers:
These candidates have done a great job in office, and I encourage everyone, if they are able, to vote for/support them!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

Recently, former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon bragged that he and former Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox filed a complaint with the US Department of Justice on April 4, 2008, related to my illegal immigration enforcement policies.

It should be noted, when Obama and Biden were sworn in as president/vice president they immediately made me a target in their “First 100 Days” in office report and launched a massive investigation into my policies. Legal action was taken by the ACLU in federal court, which has been in progress for the last 18 years. The lawsuit alleged that I used race as a criterion for profiling suspected illegal immigrants, which resulted in years of oversight of the Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff’s office by a federal judge. One item Gordon failed to mention is that I was vindicated by the US Supreme Court regarding race.

Mayor Gordon and his friend Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made national news by betting against each other during the 2010 NBA championship game between the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers joking that if the Suns win, Gordon would send me to Los Angeles. The Lakers subsequently won the championship.

It should be noted that Mayor Gordon organized rallies against me and my policies featuring well-known celebrities, and Gordon publicly considered running for sheriff against me but later backed down. In addition, Gordon’s friend Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti traveled to Arizona to campaign for my removal from office.

Illegal immigration is not a joke! The conduct of former mayor Gordon was often unprofessional, especially his previous jokes and contacts with Democrat California officials who constantly criticizes and campaigns against our Commander-In-Chief President Donald Trump, who is fighting for our country!

Further to Democrat politicians, recently Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (who is supposed to be a Republican) on his low-rated podcast, where Christie blabbered on about their superior intellect and charm.

It was sickening to watch. Christie will do anything to try to be relevant and to enhance his chances to run for president again. I am sure Newsom knows who the Toughest Sheriff in America is. Instead of having a loser like Christie on his show, why doesn’t he invite me to give him some good advice?

I am 94 years old, going strong, lost 30 pounds, and last week I received a bill of excellent health after my physical examination. I will be happy to give Christie my diet since he needs to lose 100+ pounds. My word for Governor Newsom: "You will never be president!" I know presidential material, since I was the first elected official to endorse Donald Trump- my first and only hero in my life!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

After all these years, my critics STILL can not say what was wrong with my policies as the elected sheriff for 24 years because my policies were exceptional! (See video)

When I ran for Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona (1992), I promised to open up a tent city jail to house jail inmates cheaply and to teach them the hard way to not commit crime! On August 3rd after taking office, I built and opened Tent City jail, which saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

When my critics complained about the conditions in Tent City I would always respond, "Our brave servicemen and women fight for our country while living in tents and they did nothing wrong! If you don't like it then don't go to jail!"

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

After all these years, my critics STILL can not say what was wrong with my policies as the elected sheriff for 24 years because my policies were exceptional! (See video)

When I ran for Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona (1992), I promised to open up a tent city jail to house jail inmates cheaply and to teach them the hard way to not commit crime! On August 3rd after taking office, I built and opened Tent City jail, which saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

When my critics complained about the conditions in Tent City I would always respond, "Our brave servicemen and women fight for our country while living in tents and they did nothing wrong! If you don't like it then don't go to jail!"

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

@MarcoFoster_ Thank you Shaquille O'Neal for serving the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office as a volunteer special deputy and supporting my Tent City jail programs! @SHAQ

[Rory K. McShane @rkmcshane]

. @RealSheriffJoe ‘s endorsements are so successful, because when he endorses a candidate he vets them thoroughly, vets their team, and invests himself in their race.

America’s Toughest Sheriff is a force to be reckoned with - he barnstorms the country for his candidates.

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

Appreciated being invited to attend the grand opening of the Arizona Republican Party headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona as a VIP guest. It was a huge turnout of Republicans gathering together ready to take on the general election.

I had the time to meet with many friends and officials, both current and former. I am very impressed with Arizona’s new Republican Party Chairman Sergio Arellano, who is doing an excellent job leading the Republicans to victory. I also met with the National Republican Party Chairman Joe Gruters, who I assisted several years ago to help Florida’s Republican Party campaigns. Chairman Gruters is doing a great job pulling the Republicans together.

Other speakers at the event included my friends/allies (who I have endorsed since Day 1 of their campaigns) US Congressman Andy Biggs for Arizona Governor (who I also endorsed when he first ran for US Congress) and also Senate President Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General. Their words were very motivating and uplifting.

It should be noted that I know good Republican candidates. On July 11, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona, I became the first elected official to endorse Donald Trump for President at his first rally. President Trump quickly became my friend and ally, and subsequently my only hero in my lifetime. That I will take to my grave!

The Arizona Republican Party has such great candidates, leadership, and supporters. I am very confident that we have a very good chance of winning these elections!
@RepAndyBiggsAZ @votewarren @SurgeShow @AZGOP @ChairmanGruters @Republicans

[Ashley Earle ™ 🇺🇸 @AshleyEarle76]

With Sheriff Joe Arpaio today!!
Thank you for endorsing and supporting great candidates that all won!!! 💯🇺🇸
Press Release
“Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Magnificent seven”
-Sheriff Joe Arpaio 
@RealSheriffJoe

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

My condolences to the family and friends of former Arizona State Senate President Carl Kunasek, who passed away this week.

Carl was a friend and a gentleman. I appreciated his guidance and support through the years. I thank Carl for his service to Arizona and the USA. He will be missed.

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

Over the years I have been asked by hundreds of candidates for my endorsement of their campaigns, however this election cycle I endorsed only seven candidates for various offices. Although some were controversial, all of my endorsements won their elections. My winning endorsements, which I call “The Magnificent Seven” are:

-US Congressman Andy Biggs, who I was proud to have the opportunity to endorse him for Arizona governor since Day 1. I was also one of the first to endorse him when he first ran for US Congress. @RepAndyBiggsAZ

-Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General, who I endorsed from the beginning. @votewarren

-Sheriff Mark Lamb, who I have known for many years, has been subject to vicious attacks. Recently, I supported and endorsed him for US Congress. @sherifflamb1

- Lieutenant Colonel David Flippo, who I traveled to Reno, Nevada to endorse and support for US Congress. @DavidFlippoNV

-State Senator John Kavanagh, who I have endorsed for the 19 years he served the state of Arizona. Those endorsements continue. @johnkavanagh_AZ

-Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel, who has done a great job and deserves to continue his work.

-Ed Cocchiola, who I have known for years and endorsed because of his background. He will make an excellent Justice of the Peace.

In addition, I have endorsed many candidates around the country who support President Trump. Some of my controversial endorsements were not reported by the media due to my politics and history, especially by the Arizona Republic, who deprive their readers of knowing the truth about current issues and controversies.

I want to thank everyone who supported these candidates and all the people who supported me throughout the years as the longest serving sheriff in Maricopa County history (24 years) and my 26 years as a decorated DEA agent and regional director around the world including when I was based in Mexico City responsible for all of Latin America including the controversial, political “Operation Intercept” involving President Nixon’s/Mexico’s war on drugs.

There is no secret that I will always endorse and protect President Trump. I was the first official to endorse Donald Trump at his first rally on July 11, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is my only hero, and I will take that endorsement to the grave. I recently celebrated my 94thbirthday, which is also the birthday of President Trump.

I am not stopping and I will continue to support and endorse the right people running for office to ensure they win their elections. My special attention is focused on supporting and protecting President Trump. It is also focused on Andy Biggs’ election for Arizona Governor and Warren Petersen’s election for Arizona Attorney General. That is a promise!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

Congratulations to future Congressman Mark Lamb on his primary election victory. President Trump and I know Mark Lamb is the real deal. He will back up our great president & country!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

On July 15, 2026, Senator Gallego continued his attacks on me while speaking before a Latino activist group, NALEO, because of my fight against illegal immigration and took credit for causing me to lose my 2016 election after I served Maricopa County for 24 years as the longest serving sheriff in county history.

It should be noted that Gallego tried to recall me from office and he revoke my pardon from President Trump for misdemeanor contempt of court. If Senator Gallego is guilty of misconduct he should resign immediately. Gallego cleverly leaves out the fact that the US Supreme Court recently vindicated me of using race as a criterion for my immigration crackdowns from the flood of millions of illegal aliens caused by Obama and Biden.

Gallego also received donations from the owners of the weekly newspaper who solicited sex and prostitution through Backpage .com, and who I arrested the owners. Gallego is also concerned that I bring up the activities of him and his close friend, former Congressman Eric Swalwell.

Gallego’s main campaign issues are criticizing ICE and supposedly taking care of our veterans. He forgets that I volunteered for the Korean War when it broke out in 1950, and I have served the military honorably for 11 years. Going after me is how he takes care of veterans!

The largest newspaper, the AZ Republic (USA Today) continues to make me irrelevant and did not even print the following press piece about their US senator since they are pushing Gallego to higher office such as president. Shame on Gallego, a veteran, for criticizing our commander in chief President Trump who is fighting for our country. We should all support our president during these tough times!

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

During my over 50-year battle investigating criminals, in the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Middle East, and other foreign countries around the world, I often worked undercover, functioning at several times as regional director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (DEA). In the process I received many commendations including the US Senate Congressional record for my cooperation and success with the Mexican government.

I could spend time talking about my success and sometimes controversial issues. My main mission is to do everything possible to assist Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen in becoming Arizona’s next Attorney General, who will do an excellent job once elected. There is no other choice.

Warren, more than anyone, deserves that position because of his history in fighting crime, supporting law enforcement, and he is not afraid to take on any issue regardless of controversies. He is tough, but also a nice guy. So please, support and vote for Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General. @votewarren

Interesting note, I have been through many battles fighting the Obama/Biden administration’s policies, which were a disaster. When Obama/Biden took office, they made me a target in their first 100 days report. Fortunately, President Trump took action.

We need good officials to continue the fight. The role of the attorney general is critical. There is no doubt that Senate President Warren Petersen will make a great Attorney General for Arizona.

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

We’re now at the bottom of the ninth inning. Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, who I have endorsed for Arizona Attorney General, has done an excellent job serving the people of Arizona.

Arizonans, please join me in voting for Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General. He needs your vote!

[Warren Petersen @votewarren]

I am honored to be endorsed by America's toughest Sheriff @RealSheriffJoe. Endeared not only in AZ but across the country for his efforts to fight crime and keep AZ safe.

Join him in supporting me by signing my online petition today: https://t.co/O9oAq7WALl

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

I received a phone call from Sheriff Mark Lamb last night. I appreciated @sherifflamb1's heartfelt words thanking me for endorsing him for Congress and for his support of me and President Trump. Endorsing Mark is not just because of my institutional knowledge and history, but also because Mark is a huge fan of President Trump. I was the first elected official to support Donald Trump for President and I soon after realized that President Trump is my only hero in my lifetime.

Mark Lamb has a trait many politicians do not possess. The president, being human, appreciates loyalty and will support those who may be controversial but are trying to do their job for the good of the country. He has courage to do the right thing when certain controversial issues occur. For example, President Trump sticking by Sheriff Lamb speaks volumes for those who are fighting for our country and supporting our president/commander in chief.

It should be noted that I have many requests to lend my endorsement for political races. Two other candidates I have endorsed for critical positions are US Congressman Andy Biggs for Arizona governor and Senate President Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General.

[Sheriff Joe Arpaio @RealSheriffJoe]

SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO ENDORSES MARK LAMB FOR CONGRESS

“America’s Toughest Sheriff” joins President Donald Trump in backing Mark Lamb, the former Pinal County Sheriff, for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

(Maricopa County, Arizona) — Today, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the longest serving Sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona history and a former DEA official, announced his full endorsement of former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, joining President Donald Trump in backing the popular lawman.

Sheriff Arpaio said he knew Mark Lamb before he became Pinal County Sheriff and remarks, “I watched Mark wear the badge and enforce the law. Mark possesses common sense, intelligence, courage, and law-enforcement experience, which many in Washington are lacking.”

Nationally known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” Sheriff Joe Arpaio was the first public official to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2015. Sheriff Arpaio states that President Donald Trump is his one and only hero in his lifetime.

Sheriff Arpaio said his endorsement reflects the shared commitment of President Trump, Sheriff Lamb, and himself to law enforcement and public safety. Mark Lamb served for eight years as Sheriff of Pinal County, where he confronted the consequences of illegal immigration, cartel activity, human smuggling, drug trafficking and violent crime. Recognized nationally and distinguished as a Law Enforcement leader, Lamb is a Republican candidate for Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
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