Student protesters at Arizona State University silenced an Arizona sheriff known for his controversial tactics on illegal immigration today, bringing a premature end to a First Amendment forum by singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." During the forum, which was hosted by the university's journalism school, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was asked whether his office engages in racial profiling, according to the Associated Press. Arpaio said his agency is an "equal opportunity law enforcement agency" that will arrest anyone who violates the law. Later, when trying to answer a question about his policies on illegal immigration, a group of hecklers stood up and began singing the song. Their song clearly annoyed Arpaio, who called the spectacle "ridiculous." "This isn't the way journalists should operate," he said to the host. "Are they all students up there? Why were they allowed here if they're not students?" He later walked off the set. Arpaio, who calls himself "America's toughest sheriff," is controversial in part for encouraging his deputies to act as enforcers of immigration law -- a role that is typically left to the feds. Under the Obama administration, the federal government has stripped Arpaio of much of his authority, admonishing him for unfairly targeting Hispanics and removing the authority of his officers to make immigration arrests in the field. Arpaio nonetheless continues to pursue illegal immigrants.
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Joe Arpaio, Illegal Immigration Hard-liner, Heckled by Students
Rob Kuznia--HispanicBusiness.com
Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2009. All rights reserved.
Total Comments: 7 | Pending Comments: 0
JORDANS1
12/8/2009 10:42:57 AM PST
Why do you think it is great that these college students did not allow Joe speak? Liberals and Democrats have fought so hard for freedom of speech and when they find someone who does not agree with their opinion they want to silence them. If you don't like what he does find someone at the next election and get them voted in. Ilegal immagration is a huge problem in this state and you want us to turn the other way and pretend it doesn't exist. Instead of fighting help with a solution. Just like www.arpaio.com is dedicated to destroying Joe but they banish from the site if you disagree at all with them. Where is the freedom of speech in that? No one cares if people want to leave their country and live here just do it the right way.
alieann
12/4/2009 1:33:14 PM PST
Good for the students standing up for this horror of a leader. Torture in Tent City has gone extreme for years. Students standing up should be proud!!! Sheriff Joe Arpaio made a fool of himself on tape when the students continued. We need more of this attraction for he has caused so much PAIN AND SUFFERING TO SO MANY LIVES.
Alison A. Hicks
Author/Film Creator
www.backspinmymovie.com
minnesotan
12/1/2009 5:57:15 PM PST
The act by these persons interrupting the interview was absolutely rediculous. Arpaio was asked to be there as a guest. It sickens me to see how those singing had disrespected him and the hosts. Freedom of speech doesn't mean you interrupt and disrespect. Arpaio is a great man and continues to fight to keep his jurisdiction safe.
Justic4ALL
12/1/2009 4:47:49 PM PST
They have as much right as we do. What happen to Justice for ALL? And that ALL man and women are created equal? Is the Justice in this nation belong only to whites or to everyone. America has gone to hell for all this. First it starting happening during the 1960's or so. When the African Americans were fighting for the right to vote and the whites would throw things and threaten them. The Police and Sheriff would spray water at them as if they were dog. How disgracing the people were!!! This nation is no longer the place were all your dreams can be a reality. People discriminating against you if your not white. God damn this nation and all those who support racists. Arizona is in this crisis because you vote for Republicans and they have no idea how to run this state.
pezed25
12/1/2009 4:25:37 PM PST
Dang right! Someone should silence those people! What makes them think they have the right to speak out in protest? Freedom of speech is our right, but make those people be quiet. Its only for those who are in interviews.
VonSi
12/1/2009 2:07:12 PM PST
Whether we like what we hear or not, freedom of speech is what makes this country great. Mr. Arpaio was not given the opportunity to speak after receiving an invitation to do so. There are better ways to express an opinion rather than making yourself an impediment to free speech.
Estoban
12/1/2009 12:25:07 PM PST
What a disgrace! Fifty years ago college students protested vehemently for the freedom of speech that millions of Americans have fought and died to preserve and today college students have reversed and tarnished their image as better educated Americans. The Dean must be ashamed of these scofflaws.
