Sheriff Joe Arpaio endorses Donald Trump for president

PHOENIX (AP) -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has formally endorsed Republican businessman Donald Trump for president.

Trump's campaign announced the endorsement from the self-proclaimed "America's toughest sheriff" on Tuesday.

"It's a no brainer for me to endorse him. Very easy decision, believe me," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Arpaio appeared at two Trump rallies in metropolitan Phoenix last year, so the endorsement wasn't a surprise. He introduced the GOP candidate to cheering crowds.

Trump and Arpaio are both outspoken proponents of increased border security.

Watch the full rally in which Arpaio endorses Trump here:

Arpaio political power in Arizona has taken a hit in the past year as he's battled a potential contempt of court finding by a federal judge. The judge is considering whether Arpaio's violations of a 2011 order in a racial profiling lawsuit merit a civil contempt finding, fines and a broader court-ordered overhaul of his office.