The new section can hold an additional 100 inmates, but Arpaio says he expects that number to grow.

"Citizens here sincerely hope that SB 1070 will result in large numbers of illegal aliens being captured and arrested by local law enforcement officers," Arpaio says. "I'm not so certain that will actually happen. But on the assumption it does, then as the Sheriff of this county, I am ready. Tent City is ready. There will never be the excuse that this jail hasn't enough room for violators of SB 1070."

Seven lawsuits have challenged the new law, including one by the federal Justice Department. U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton is considering pleas for injunctions to stop 1070.

• Arpaio