Immigrant 'honored' to swear in Arpaio
60 commentsby Beth Duckett - Jan. 3, 2009 12:49 PM
The Arizona Republic

Four years ago, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio turned heads when he asked the host of America's Most Wanted, John Walsh, to swear him into office.

This year, Arpaio is challenging critics of his controversial immigration policy by asking an immigrant to lead the oath.

Monday's swearing-in ceremony features Mexico City native Jose Bello, who became a U.S. citizen last month.

Bello, who married an immigrant who is also a citizen, has two children who work as detention officers for the sheriff's office.

In a statement, Bello said he is "honored" to perform the ceremony, adding that he "understands" Arpaio's stance on illegal immigration.

Arpaio, who was re-elected to a four-year term in November, said he wanted to focus more on issues and less on "personalities." The sheriff, who has been accused of being fame-hungry, recently made his debut on a new reality show about sting operations called Smile ... You're Under Arrest!"

"I have tried to inform the public that I support and encourage immigrants to come to this country provided they do so legally," Arpaio said in a statement.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... n-ONL.html