Anthony Cabrera Reports
Sheriff Joe visits Tucson, protesters denounce arrival

Posted: Jan 25, 2008 05:27 PM MST

Sheriff Joe visits Tucson, protesters denounce arrival

Sheriff Joe visits Tucson, protesters denounce arrival

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was in Tucson Friday, speaking to the Pima County Republican Women's Club. And protesting outside was the Derechos Humanos Coalition, denouncing his arrival.

"Arpiao no! Arpiao no!" they yelled, as members tried to make a statement to both Sheriff Joe and the Women's Club.

"They are very insensitive and irresponsible to have invited a gentleman who has proved not only so divisive and polarizing in Phoenix, but has cost the state of Arizona over $41 million," Derechos Humanos co-chair, Isabel Garcia said.

"I think as women, they should know better," Maria Cariasco said. "No matter if they're republican. They should know our communities don't need more problems than what we have already."

They call the sheriff intolerant and racist.

"I think we have to let our community know that we don't like him and we don't want racism here," Cariasco said. "We don't want the sheriff's department to be like his."

Protesters say his tactics are inhumane. On the flip side, his supporters say he's just doing his job.

"Oh yes, I support him. The man is doing what he's being paid for. That's what he runs on is law and order and justice. And when you talk about somebody that's here illegally, the word illegally comes into it," Arizona resident Tom Golding said.

The women who attended the luncheon invited him to hear what he's doing and how he's doing it.

"Look at all the money he's saving Maricopa County," Pima County Republican Women's Club member Nicki Nickerson said. "He's innovative. that's what we need."

And the man behind it all says he's up for the fight.

"I'm not racist. I'm just doing my job and I'm going to continue doing," Sheriff Joe said. "They call me Hitler, KKK in Phoenix. They call me every name in the book, which is alright, it doesn't bother me. The more they call me, the harder I fight."

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