Arizona sheriff tells student activists he’s compassionate for immigrants but will enforce law

Ariz. sheriff meets with student protesters

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he’s compassionate toward the plight of undocumented immigrants but will continue to enforce the immigration laws that are on the books.

Arpaio is known for tough jail policies and pushing the bounds for how local law enforcement agencies can confront illegal immigration.

He met for about 45 minutes Tuesday with a group of college students protesting immigration laws across the country.

A few of the student activists came to Arizona as part of the protests that took place during Memorial Day weekend and drew thousands of marchers to downtown Phoenix.

Arpaio cast himself as a dutiful servant of what legislators want and suggested that the students approach members of Congress if they want those laws to change.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com