Ariz. sheriff says he has no use for Ku Klux Klan

Source: AP

An Arizona sheriff known nationally for his hard-line stance on illegal immigration is on the witness stand answering questions about statements that critics say show prejudiced thinking.

By JACQUES BILLEAUD

Associated Press
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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio testifying in defense during a civil trail focusing on his trademark immigration sweeps was asked about a comment he made on a cable news talk show that seemed to express admiration for the Ku Klux Klan.

CNN host Lou Dobbs spoke with Arpaio in 2007 about comparisons between his department and the KKK, about which the sheriff said, "I think it's an honor. It means we are doing something."

Arpaio on Tuesday said he said he doesn't consider the comparison an honor, adding that he has no use for the KKK.

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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, testifying on his own behalf in a civil trial Tuesday, was asked about a statement in which he called illegal immigrants "dirty."

Arpaio said the proper context was needed to understand that statement, adding that if a person were to cross the border on foot over four days in the desert that person "could be dirty. That's the context on how I used that word."


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