Sheriff Joe Arpaio Fires Back Against Obama's Executive Order

Arizona lawman Joe Arpaio is no stranger to taking on the Obama administration. The man often referred to as “America’s Toughest Sheriff” has long held that Barack Obama is not qualified to hold the office of the presidency, disputing the authenticity of his birth certificate. As a border state official, Arpaio has also taken exception to Obama’s lax enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws.

In response to Obama’s announcement Thursday of executive action that will defer the deportation of more than five million illegal immigrants, the Maricopa County sheriff is once again setting his sights on the president.

Reports indicate Arpaio is filing a lawsuit intended to challenge Obama’s authority to enact such policy unilaterally. He explained the motivation behind the pursuit in an interview with KNXV.

“We have to understand whether this is constitutional or not, whether he is going around Congress is legal,” he said. “I’m going to send a message that we’re not going to give up, that this does affect the streets of Maricopa County.”

Arpaio did offer a modicum of consideration regarding Obama’s position; however, he lamented the fact that the nation’s chief executive chose to dismiss the shortcomings of his plan.

“He speaks a good game,” Arpaio conceded, “and I understand where he’s coming from in a way. On the other hand, let’s not con the American public. How are we going to keep track of these five million people?”

He continued by insisting this first step toward amnesty will only serve to invite even more illegals into the country.

“This is going to open the door,” he asserted. “Everybody in Mexico, Central America, thinks they will have a free pass when they come into our country because of what the president is issuing.”

He continued by insisting this first step toward amnesty will only serve to invite even more illegals into the country.

“This is going to open the door,” he asserted. “Everybody in Mexico, Central America, thinks they will have a free pass when they come into our country because of what the president is issuing.”

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

BCN editor’s note: This article first appeared at Western Journalism.