Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio promises Republican convention that 'Donald Trump will build the wall'

(Image credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

last updated 22 July 2016

Donald Trump frequently touted his support from Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio on the campaign trail, and Arpaio reiterated that support at Thursday's Republican National Convention. In his 55 years in law enforcement, Arpaio said, getting Trump elected is his "most important mission." Arpaio — a staunch advocate of sealing the U.S.-Mexico border, slapped Wednesday with contempt-of-court sanctions by a federal judge — said "we have terrorists coming over our border," and criminals infiltrating themselves into U.S. communities and committing serious crimes. "Donald Trump will build the wall," Arpaio said, "and prevent drugs and illegal immigrants from entering our country." The crowd chanted "Build that wall!"

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.