Controversial Arizona Sheriff to Endorse Rick Perry, Sources Say

PHOENIX – Controversial Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, will endorse Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican presidential nomination, sources told NBC News.

Arpaio, a much sought-after endorsement for the GOP field, will campaign with Perry in New Hampshire on Tuesday, the governor's campaign said.

Arpaio, of Maricopa County, just outside Phoenix, has gained a national reputation as an anti-illegal immigration firebrand, using his local agency to round up undocumented immigrants and turning them over to federal officials for deportation.

A media fixture on cable news shows, Arpaio describes himself as "America's Toughest Sheriff" and famously re-instituted chain gangs in 1995. He has also been a major supporter of his state's controversial immigration law.

His endorsement could prove helpful to Perry, who has faced criticism for some of his actions on illegal immigration.

The governor caused a backlash from conservatives when he said in a Republican presidential debate that those who oppose giving in-state tuition benefits to the children of illegal immigrants "have no heart."

Perry later said his remarks were "inappropriate."

Perry previously picked up endorsement from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.