Arpaio to speak at Mesa college, despite threat of protest
Reported by: Deborah Stocks
Email: dstocks@abc15.com
Last Update: 3:42 pm


Sheriff Joe Arpaio PHOENIX, AZ -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he will not cancel a speaking engagement scheduled for Thursday, in spite of threats of a protest against his immigration policies.

According to a Tuesday news release, Arpaio was invited to speak at Mesa Community College by a student Republican group.

Authorities are reportedly concerned the expected protest may get out of hand, saying the reserved room holds 308 people with an overflow area for an additional 99.

"That many people packed into a tight area poses obvious security questions," said Deputy Chief David Trombi. Trombi will reportedly provide security for the Sheriff.

Trombi said that according to information he has received from Mesa authorities, the protest may be a repeat of a December 2009 speech at the ASU Cronkite School in downtown Phoenix.

In that incident, protestors interrupted a question and answer session with Arpaio by singing and chanting and the Sheriff walked out.

Thursday's speech is schedule for 6:30 p.m.

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