arpaio

Oddly enough, Mr Arpaio seems to be stepping up his efforts just as illegal immigrants seem to be leaving in droves.

Joe Arpaio, nicknamed "America's toughest sheriff" , is a strong proponent of a crackdown against illegal immigrants.

One senior state legislator, a fellow Republican, says that "Arpaio is out of control" but is afraid to go on the record.

Arpaio made Shaq a special deputy in 2006 and promoted him to colonel of his largely ceremonial posse later that year.

Mr Arpaio, as is his wont, seems to gloat at such accusations.

Mr Arpaio "goes into Hispanic neighbourhoods and rounds up people" while neglecting many ordinary criminals, he charges .

They fear people like Joe Arpaio, the sheriff of Arizona's Maricopa County, which contains Phoenix.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I don't think that either conduct should be out there publicly, even if media wasn't there, Arpaio said.

Within Arizona, people like Sheriff Arpaio, who has been re-elected four times, have soaring approval ratings.

"It is a reign of terror, " says Phil Gordon, the mayor of Phoenix and Mr Arpaio's most outspoken enemy.

Most days, protesters are encamped in front of Mr Arpaio's office tower in Phoenix, accusing him of racism.

Mr Arpaio retorts that he has seen no decrease in illegals.

I want his two badges back, Arpaio told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Mr Arpaio retorts that he has seen no decrease in illegals. "We lock them up every day, " he says.