Fmr. 24yr Sheriff of Maricopa County, AZ. NOT RETIRED! US Army Veteran, Former Cop & Top DEA Official. Read my book, Sheriff Joe Arpaio: An American Legend🇺🇸
Maricopa County, Arizona
Joined June 2009
- Tweets4.8K
- Following400
- Followers205K
- Likes30.8K
Pinned Tweet
Honored by President Trump's heartfelt words about me on stage today at his Phoenix, AZ rally.
Over the past 11 years Donald Trump has been my friend, ally, and my only hero in my life. I have always believed in him and always will! He has a spine of steel and a heart of gold!🇺🇲
The 2026 midterms concludes next week on Election Day, November 3, 2026, and the Republican and Democrat parties are both stating to the media that they are the “Big Tent” party. However, I contend that I know all about “Big Tents” having created and operated “Tent City” jail for nearly 24 years.
In 1992, I was 61 years old when I ran for Maricopa County Sheriff (the 3rd largest Sheriff’s Office in the USA) and promised the county citizens that I would build a Tent City jail using surplus Korean War tents within my first 6 months in office. After being sworn into office, I kept my promise and opened my Tent City jail on August 3, 1993 at minimum costs.
Over the years, Tent City saved taxpayers millions of dollars and became an international phenomenon drawing presidents, presidential candidates, celebrities, news media, and the public from around the world. Although Tent City jail has become a controversial issue for politicians and elections, it largely contributed to my popularity, resulting in me becoming the most elected Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona history (24 years). Half a million people, including celebrities and illegal aliens, spent time in my tents at Tent City, including myself while leading by example by voluntarily spending 24 hours in my own jail, twice!
I still use my electric Smith Corona typewriter and my Webster’s dictionary nearly every day. I believe “Tent City” needs to be added to the dictionary for its popularity and impact. Having been a boy scout and volunteer for the US Army, I am knowledgeable of tents. As head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration in many foreign countries assisting in numerous arrests, the foreign jails would make my Tent City jail look like a first-class hotel. I always remind critics of Tent City jail that our brave men and women fight for our country across the world while living in tents, and they did not commit crimes!
Our Commander-In-Chief President Trump is a huge supporter of our brave military personnel and veterans. Of course, my only hero in my life, Donald Trump, believes in the Tent City jail concept! The Republican Party is the "Big Tent" party. We must all support President Trump and vote as soon as we can for his Republican candidates this election!
The news media and others continue to ask if I have regrets during my 55 years in law enforcement. My reply is always a strong, “I will do it again and never apologize!”
My condolences to the family, friends, and fans of famous actor and director, Tom Skerritt. I enjoyed being with Tom on the Bill Maher Show. He was a talented person and a gentleman. He will be deeply missed.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio retweeted
Obama needs to present his REAL government documents at his library. Why won't he produce them?
This does not surprise me. Obama and I have investigated each other extensively, however I was vindicated by all 3 branches of government while Obama can't produce real government documents!
Vote Andy Biggs for Arizona governor!
President @BarackObama has always been a friend of Arizona and I’m honored to have his support again.
I'm so proud of all we’ve done to move Arizona forward these last four years, and with your help, I'm ready to keep putting Arizona families first for another four.
3 weeks, Arizona. Let's go win this.
For over 9 years, the state of California’s Secretary of State has publicized false and defamatory remarks against me from their government website, including calling me a "convicted felon.”
I now request the state of California to investigate the false remarks, including if California used state funds for partisan politics. US Senator Alex Padilla, who published the remarks when he was California’s Secretary of State, should be investigated, charged, and removed from the US Senate if found guilty of any criminal and/or ethical violations. I will be satisfied to appear as a witness, if necessary.
I am known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff” and the “poster boy” for enforcing the law because of my fight against illegal immigration, drugs, and corruption, especially by Democrat officials from California. I have received many threats as a result of Democrats’ vicious campaigns against me, including from drug cartels, which places me in jeopardy.
Also, was former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti guilty of civil or criminal violations when he traveled to Phoenix to lead demonstrations against me to call for my incarceration? It should also be noted that every time I spoke at functions in California, I always attracted droves of demonstrations against me, which again put me in danger.
There were some detractors that wanted me to apologize for my actions, but apologizing is not a part of my vocabulary. I was legally and effectively enforcing the illegal immigrations laws, which further proved true when I was vindicated by the US Supreme Court during President Trump’s administration.
Of course, when my detractors go after me, they are going after President Donald Trump and placing the commander-in-chief in harm’s way. This includes Joe Biden’s previous attacks against me. Years ago, when I was deputy regional director of the Drug Enforcement Administration covering New England, I testified to the US Senate before then-Senator Joe Biden on criminal justice matters. At that time, Biden was a big supporter of the criminal justice system.
President Trump however goes where the action is and doesn’t back down whether it’s at a dangerous foreign country or at a golf course. He is always meeting with heads of state and other powerful leaders making deals to protect our country. President Trump is a genius by spending time on golf courses. It is no secret that golf is not only for exercise, but also for doing business and making deals between influential people.
I know President Trump. He was shocked when I was the first elected official to support and endorse him for president, which was during his first rally in July 2015. During my lifetime so far (94 years), Donald Trump became my first and only hero in my lifetime. I will take that to my grave. I ask that we all support Donald Trump (alongside his millions of supporters) and his endorsed candidates for the upcoming November 3rd midterm election.
THE PERPETUAL WAR AGAINST ME CONTINUES: WATCH OUT CALIFORNIA!
The Democratic Party, criminal organizations, and others have made me public enemy number one regarding my efforts in combatting the illegal immigration and drug problems at home and abroad, making me the poster boy for those crime fighting activities.
I have a special interest in the war against me since I was an official target in Obama and Biden’s “First 100 Days in Office” report. Obama’s US Department of Justice investigated me for nearly 8 years attempting to convict me of a felony, however, only by denying me a trial by jury was Obama able to get a federal court to convict me of a misdemeanor contempt of court alleging illegal use of profiling based on race. However, the US Supreme Court has since vindicated me ruling that law enforcement can use race as a criterion for detaining suspects of illegal immigration. Nevertheless, it is guaranteed that I will not be receiving any “Christmas cards” from Obama, who I previously investigated.
Notably, I have led offices residing in and covering Turkey, the Middle East, Mexico, Central and South America, and regions of the United States for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and received many awards for my work domestically and abroad, including by the Mexican government. Known by my detractors, I planned and coordinated President Nixon’s “Operation Intercept” in 1969, which closed the US/Mexico border to combat drug and human trafficking. Days later, I was selected by the director of the DEA to take the place of the regional director of Mexico after the suspicious death of my predecessor in Mexico.
In recent years, the then-Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (now the Secretary of the Economy), Marcelo Ebrard, spoke before the Mexican Senate falsely accusing me of being a gun smuggler and murderer alluding that I was responsible for one of the Obama administration’s biggest scandals “Operation Fast & Furious.” Days later, Ebrard traveled to speak to (and collude with) National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in which Biden was also no doubt advised of the meeting. Secretary Ebrard has since avoided responding to my defamation lawsuit against me.
California Senator Alex Padilla, who is well known for interrupting the Department of Homeland Security Director’s press conference and having to be physically restrained and arrested by the FBI, ICE, and Secret Service, has gone after me on my wife Ava’s birthday (August 25th) by falsely calling me a “convicted felon” who “promoted racial profiling and discrimination against Americans” when I was California’s Secretary of State. Padilla is known to work closely with another vocal detractor of mine, namely Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego.
Having served Maricopa County as Sheriff for 24 years and having a highly decorated background, I enforced ALL the laws. I have since been exonerated by all three branches of government: the US Supreme Court, the executive, and the federal laws. For my 55+ years in law enforcement, I always considered myself a professional and acted accordingly, having never even received a traffic ticket.
Remember, Senator Padilla of California has been after me for my strong fight against illegal immigration and had falsely accused me of being a convicted felon on my wife’s birthday. He has been as vicious as the former mayor of Los Angeles, California Eric Garcetti- who travelled all the way to Phoenix to protest against me while adorning an “Arrest Arpaio” t-shirt. They picked the wrong person to start a war against, so they better watch out! I have a surprise coming very soon regarding the war by California against me.
My adversaries, including drug cartels and government officials, tried to and are still attempting to destroy me to stop my fight against illegal immigration; however, they continue to fail in their attempts. I suggest that the public officials and organizations attacking me have the courtesy, professionalism, and courage to meet me face to face instead of hiding from my responses. If they think that I will surrender and disappear, they are mistaken! I will always fight back! They can put that in their pipe and smoke it!
I am still engaged in political races and working around the clock. I am still going strong and still supporting President Donald Trump, who I was the first elected official to support and endorse for president. He is my only hero in my lifetime and that will never change! My late wife Ava would often quote Jesus from the Bible, especially one that always stuck with me, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free! I always said that President Trump has a heart of gold and a spine of steel. He has communicated with my wife many times while she had cancer to help her feel better.
See California's current official Secretary of State website where Alex Padilla calls me a "convicted felon":
sos.ca.gov/administration/ne…
This is an outrageous ruling doing much more harm than good! When I first ran for Sheriff in 1992, I promised to open a Tent City jail for the inmates outside in the Phoenix, Arizona weather. I did!
I always believed in rehabilitation. This teaches pampering our worst offenders!
Breaking: A federal judge has ordered Texas to air condition all of the state’s prisons by the end of 2029.
Just over a third of the agency’s 104 facilities were fully air conditioned as of Sept. 1. bit.ly/3TFB0TD
Individual illegal aliens and foreign legal residents often use multiple fraudulent identities to receive all-encompassing federal benefits (including federal grants) designated for multiple people.
Welfare fraud abusers and illegal immigrants must be arrested/prosecuted now!
I am alive and kicking! I voluntarily checked up on my health status and passed every examination.
I am only required to take one pill a day. I am still baffled that I have no concerning problems at my age (94) and surprised the doctor. My genes must come from my mother, who gave her life for mine when she refused an abortion during childbirth and passed away.
THE PERPETUAL WAR AGAINST ME CONTINUES: WATCH OUT CALIFORNIA!
The Democratic Party, criminal organizations, and others have made me public enemy number one regarding my efforts in combatting the illegal immigration and drug problems at home and abroad, making me the poster boy for those crime fighting activities.
I have a special interest in the war against me since I was an official target in Obama and Biden’s “First 100 Days in Office” report. Obama’s US Department of Justice investigated me for nearly 8 years attempting to convict me of a felony, however, only by denying me a trial by jury was Obama able to get a federal court to convict me of a misdemeanor contempt of court alleging illegal use of profiling based on race. However, the US Supreme Court has since vindicated me ruling that law enforcement can use race as a criterion for detaining suspects of illegal immigration. Nevertheless, it is guaranteed that I will not be receiving any “Christmas cards” from Obama, who I previously investigated.
Notably, I have led offices residing in and covering Turkey, the Middle East, Mexico, Central and South America, and regions of the United States for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and received many awards for my work domestically and abroad, including by the Mexican government. Known by my detractors, I planned and coordinated President Nixon’s “Operation Intercept” in 1969, which closed the US/Mexico border to combat drug and human trafficking. Days later, I was selected by the director of the DEA to take the place of the regional director of Mexico after the suspicious death of my predecessor in Mexico.
In recent years, the then-Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (now the Secretary of the Economy), Marcelo Ebrard, spoke before the Mexican Senate falsely accusing me of being a gun smuggler and murderer alluding that I was responsible for one of the Obama administration’s biggest scandals “Operation Fast & Furious.” Days later, Ebrard traveled to speak to (and collude with) National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in which Biden was also no doubt advised of the meeting. Secretary Ebrard has since avoided responding to my defamation lawsuit against me.
California Senator Alex Padilla, who is well known for interrupting the Department of Homeland Security Director’s press conference and having to be physically restrained and arrested by the FBI, ICE, and Secret Service, has gone after me on my wife Ava’s birthday (August 25th) by falsely calling me a “convicted felon” who “promoted racial profiling and discrimination against Americans” when I was California’s Secretary of State. Padilla is known to work closely with another vocal detractor of mine, namely Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego.
Having served Maricopa County as Sheriff for 24 years and having a highly decorated background, I enforced ALL the laws. I have since been exonerated by all three branches of government: the US Supreme Court, the executive, and the federal laws. For my 55+ years in law enforcement, I always considered myself a professional and acted accordingly, having never even received a traffic ticket.
Remember, Senator Padilla of California has been after me for my strong fight against illegal immigration and had falsely accused me of being a convicted felon on my wife’s birthday. He has been as vicious as the former mayor of Los Angeles, California Eric Garcetti- who travelled all the way to Phoenix to protest against me while adorning an “Arrest Arpaio” t-shirt. They picked the wrong person to start a war against, so they better watch out! I have a surprise coming very soon regarding the war by California against me.
My adversaries, including drug cartels and government officials, tried to and are still attempting to destroy me to stop my fight against illegal immigration; however, they continue to fail in their attempts. I suggest that the public officials and organizations attacking me have the courtesy, professionalism, and courage to meet me face to face instead of hiding from my responses. If they think that I will surrender and disappear, they are mistaken! I will always fight back! They can put that in their pipe and smoke it!
I am still engaged in political races and working around the clock. I am still going strong and still supporting President Donald Trump, who I was the first elected official to support and endorse for president. He is my only hero in my lifetime and that will never change! My late wife Ava would often quote Jesus from the Bible, especially one that always stuck with me, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free! I always said that President Trump has a heart of gold and a spine of steel. He has communicated with my wife many times while she had cancer to help her feel better.
See California's current official Secretary of State website where Alex Padilla calls me a "convicted felon":
sos.ca.gov/administration/ne…
DO NOT HIRE SEXUAL VIOLATORS OF ANIMALS TO THE FBI!
Recently, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) questioned FBI Director Kash Patel about the bureau’s change in hiring practices, which now gives clemency for applicants who have committed acts of bestiality before the age of 18.
This subject is of interest to me due to my successful push to enact felony animal abuse laws in the Arizona Legislature. Notably in 2006, I arrested a high-level government official for a “sexual interaction” with a lamb. However, there were no laws on the books to punish him for bestiality at that time. My crackdown on this issue led to the passage of legislation in Arizona, and it is believed that Arizona inspired other states across the country to follow my lead in investigating bestiality. I also received many awards for my fight against animal cruelty and raised considerable amounts of money for animal rescue charities.
In response, I used undercover deputies to seek out offenders against animals, assisted by dogs that were rescued by the Sheriff’s Office and held in an air-conditioned section of my jails and fed better food than the inmates. No animals were harmed in these operations.
The public would be shocked at the depravity of the animal-abusers of all different backgrounds and professions that were arrested and convicted of felonies for their sick acts. The majority of these perpetrators pled guilty since they did not want to face me in an open courtroom with the media. During my operations, very unusual incidents occurred. In one case, a man traveled to Arizona from Pennsylvania to meet a Western horse and had bragged to the Sheriff’s deputies about committing sex acts with horses in the past. In another instance, my deputies arrested a postal delivery employee who had sexually abused dogs in the backyards of houses that he visited while on the job after learning that no one was home.
I always made stopping animal cruelty a priority in addition to my other controversial policies ever since I first ran for Sheriff. Over my 24 years as Sheriff, I never went back on my promises to the people. I am amused by many candidates’ responses when I say that they should promote animals in their campaigns. The usual response they give is “animals can’t vote.” I would then reply, “but animals’ owners vote!"
Much time was spent in discussions between Senator Kennedy and FBI Director Patel, which did not produce clear answers. It is my opinion that anyone involved in animal cruelty regardless of age should NOT be considered for FBI employment. There are plenty of qualified people, especially dedicated police and those from other law enforcement agencies, who would make great federal agents, not those who abuse our beloved animals!
There is a saying that dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friend. There is no excuse for any form of animal abuse! Having been in charge of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in many countries around the world, I know there are still populations who eat dogs. It is about time for private organizations to educate countries on the importance of not eating or abusing dogs, but to instead treat them as family pets (or law enforcement K-9’s) to be loved and protected.
It should also be noted that President Trump passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act in 2019, which was the first federal statute that directly criminalized acts of animal cruelty, including sexual abuse. God Bless President Trump! I was the first elected official to endorse him. He is my first and only hero in my life!
My condolences go out to the friends, family, and supporters of US Senator Jon Kyl. As the Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona for 24 years, I had the honor of endorsing Senator Kyl and working closely with him and the law enforcement community.
For the over 25 years that Senator Kyl served in Congress, he often thought outside the box such as when he supported the 287(g) program in Arizona, which granted my Sheriff’s deputies with the authority to enforce federal immigration laws.
Senator Kyl was a patriot and a gentleman. He will be dearly missed.
Throughout my 24 years serving as Sheriff of Maricopa County, AZ, I pioneered and strictly enforced many “Tough on Crime” programs and policies, which received worldwide recognition for their popularity and effectiveness. This not only made me the poster boy for anti-illegal immigration and anti-drug enforcement, but it earned me the title of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.”
It is no secret that I was the first elected government official to support and endorse Donald J. Trump for President and had introduced him to the stage at his first campaign rally, which was in Phoenix, Arizona on July 11, 2015. I campaigned alongside Donald Trump across the great USA because of his outstanding positive qualities and his outspoken fight against crime for the well-being and protection of the American people. When I was relentlessly attacked by the media and the political establishment for doing my job enforcing the law, Donald Trump always supported me. Despite having served over 50 years as a cop, decorated US Drug Enforcement Administration official, and sheriff, I never had a hero in my lifetime until Donald J. Trump. That will never change!
President Trump still speaks out about how his friend (who he appreciates and has been with all the way) “Sheriff Joe, a legend” has supported him since the very beginning of his run for office. I am honored by each of President Trump’s one-of-a-kind recognitions of my career accomplishments and support for him.
Still, the media and many political and law enforcement leaders attack me (or ignore me) due to my much-needed policies. Unlike President Trump, they will never know what it means to have character, integrity, or consideration for public safety. We will never stop fighting for the USA and the qualities which made it the greatest country in the world!
Ex-CIA Director John Brennan has been subpoenaed to testify for his grand conspiracy against Pres. Trump.
Also, in 2008 Brennan's intelligence company Analysis Corp hacked the US State Department for Obama's passport files before he became Obama's security advisor.
Lock him up!
Sheriff Joe Arpaio retweeted
i love and respect @RealSheriffJoe .
He's the only guy on here who's older than I am. He's a great Patriot.
I closely followed the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas this week and I thoroughly appreciated the remarks and optimism of President Donald Trump (the only hero I’ve had in my lifetime)!
I was also impressed with the support President Trump received from the other speakers, including the US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, whose courage, loyalty, and management skills makes him one of the greater Speakers of the House. As a matter of interest to me, I noticed Speaker Johnson mentioned that the Democrat Party has been taken over by far-left radicals such as Bernie Sanders. This brought back memories of my encounter with Senator Sanders’ wife Jane, and the feud that ensued between me and her husband.
When I was the Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona for 24 years, Jane Sanders held a press meeting in front of my Tent City jail in Phoenix. Since I was already next door, finished with my volunteer Sheriff’s posse meeting, I personally invited Mrs. Sanders to tour the facility and speak freely with the inmates. Subsequently, when her presidential candidate husband heard about this, he became very agitated and went after me relentlessly, accusing me of using his wife to score political points.
When Brahm Resnik, a seasoned journalist, questioned Senator Sanders in-studio about his wife’s meeting with me, Sanders angrily stormed out of the interview. Later at a Bernie Sanders presidential campaign rally in Arizona, the out-of-control senator promised to the crowd, “When I become president, watch out Joe!”
I have been in action for so long I could go back 60+ years with my institutional knowledge and connect my law enforcement background to the important issues of today. Bernie Sanders has a long history of far-left political activism, and before he became mayor of Burlington, Vermont, I was covering New England as the deputy director of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from 1974-1978. Even though Sanders promoted legalizing drugs while I was fighting against drug trafficking, he should be thanking me for my work protecting his home state of Vermont and the country! Evidently, he is obsessed with my name because of my fight against illegal immigration, dangerous drugs, and other crimes.
Lastly, I want to congratulate Senator Sanders on his 85th birthday on September 8th. I personally wrote this press release, and I am nearly 10 years older than this radical senator. I suggest Bernie Sanders gives his career a rest, go back to his hometown of Burlington, and work for the well-known ice cream company headquartered there instead. He could use my name as a reference. And while he is at it, he should tell them to make an ice cream flavor after my favorite food, chicken livers sauteed! But since I am officially a Duke of Italy, I will settle for Italian spumoni!
Especially today I commemorate the life & legacy of Charlie Kirk.
The last encounter I had with Charlie was at the Andy Biggs for Governor campaign kickoff when he shouted me out and praised me before the huge crowd. We both proudly endorsed and supported our friend Andy Biggs from the very beginning.
I will never forget my first encounter with then-18 year old Charlie when we spoke before the San Diego Republican Club. I then invited him to join me in confronting the large group of demonstrators against me outside the event. He showed great courage and did not hesitate!
I still love and miss Charlie. There will never be another person like him. May Charlie always be remembered and rest in peace.
Happy Birthday to former singer and beauty queen Cece Peniston.
It should be noted that Cece lived in Arizona. I always appreciated her kind words and the unsolicited photo she sent me. Best wishes and happy birthday, Cece!
Words and songs make a monumental difference!
In 1969, I planned and coordinated President Nixon’s “Operation Intercept,” which temporarily closed the US/Mexican border to stop the inflow of drugs and other crime into the United States. Interestingly, a controversial song was made attacking this operation in 1970 called “Mexico” by Jefferson Airplane, which became popular on the US radio stations.
During the release of the song, I was the regional director of the US Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now called the DEA) covering Mexico, Central and South America working with the Mexican government to prevent drugs from entering the USA.
In 1970, I had one of the most bizarre meetings between two government officials of different countries when he privately met with the Attorney General of Mexico Pedro Ojeda Paullada over dinner, per the Mexican official’s request. Since the attorney general did not mention the suspicious death of my predecessor DEA regional director, I purposely did not mention it either believing that it could lead to the Mexican government canceling my appointment in Mexico if they suspected I would launch a homicide investigation.
“The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA is one of my favorite songs because it appropriately describes my feelings about my meeting with Mexico’s attorney general. Fortunately, I did not play my favorite song “My Way” when meeting with the Mexican official because it would have revealed my character in acting boldly and independently. “My Way” also embodies the character of my only hero in my life who shares the same birthday as me (June 14th), President Trump! President Nixon would be incredibly proud of President Trump’s success fighting drugs and crime. This includes his selection of professional, patriotic, and loyal assistants.
Songs have made a tremendous impact on people’s lives and the culture of society. Two of the most important songs in the USA are “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” which should always be respected and played often. To honor the heritage and patriotism of our great country as Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, for 24 years, I ordered the National Anthem and “God Bless America” to be played every day and night to about 7,000 inmates per day, including at Tent City jail, regardless of where the inmates came from. When Donald Trump speaks to large crowds, he includes music to boost levity and American patriotism. President Trump is a great President who directly reports to the people. He has a special quality in connecting with the public, whether it be through his words, “hands on” actions, or songs!
youtube.com/watch?v=tsUMa3ye…
I am pressing the Mexican government for answers regarding the suspicious death of my predecessor, the regional director of Mexico, Central, and South America for the US Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now known as the DEA):
My recent press releases explained my situation when Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard accused me of being a murderer and drug smuggler before the Mexican Senate and then immediately went to Washington DC to meet with President Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. There is no doubt that Sullivan, including President Obama, has tremendous intelligence information going all the way back to my birth certificate. They of course would know about my leading “Operation Intercept.”
I sued Secretary Ebrard, but Ebrard has been avoiding accepting the legal documents for over 3 years. Subsequently, per my request, US Congressman Andy Biggs was the only political figure to send a letter to Advisor Sullivan defending me from Ebrard’s defamatory remarks stressing my decorated public record cooperating with the Mexican government while I led the DEA in Mexico, Central and South America, including a commendation in the US Senate Congressional Record for my work in Mexico.
Now, I am willing to travel to Mexico to meet with Mexican officials after advising the US and Mexican governments of my mission. While there, I said I want answers for my predecessor’s death three days before President Nixon’s “Operation Intercept,” which I was deeply involved in coordinating. I am willing to travel to Mexico despite the Mexican cartels who have been documented placing expensive bounties on me in the past.
In 1970, I had one of the most bizarre meetings between two government officials of different countries when I met with the Attorney General of Mexico Pedro Ojeda Paullada over dinner a few days after being appointed regional director of the DEA in Mexico, per Paullada’s request. When he visited my house, I was surprised that the attorney general was fluent in English and had no security. Then the chess game began. Since the attorney general did not mention the death of the DEA regional director, I purposely did not mention it either believing that it could lead to the Mexican government canceling my appointment in Mexico if they suspected I would launch a homicide investigation. To this day, there are still many questions unanswered regarding the US official’s cause of death.
My meeting with Mexico’s Attorney General was very unusual like a game of “cat and mouse.” I have served as the head of many foreign countries working and surviving around corrupt officials. Cover-ups and corruption are not unusual, but the murder of a US public official would be a tremendous national security problem. The families, law enforcement, and people deserve to receive appropriate closure regarding the death of the former dedicated DEA regional director in Mexico. President Trump promised to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the United States to clean up the mess from President Obama and Biden’s terrible policies. His massive “hands on” operations resulted in the arrest of hundreds of thousands illegal aliens and drug dealers. President Nixon would have commended President Trump for his war on drugs and crime.
