The National Border Patrol Council is saluting Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump as the "only candidate" to support their mission of keeping the border safe and immigrants out of the U.S.

"Mr. Trump is the only candidate that has publicly expressed his support of our mission and our agents," National Border Patrol Council president Art Del Cueto of Local 2544 said in a statement on behalf of the organization's 18,000 agents.

The organization's nod toward Trump puts them in the company of Phoenix Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, both of whom are immigration hardliners who have endorsed the man who has vowed to deport as many as 11 million immigrants if he is elected.

Group Shares Trump's Immigration Views

In acknowledging the NBPC's longstanding policy of not formally endorsing any candidate, Local 2544 officials posted to their website, the group "is pleased to inform voters that Mr. Trump is the only candidate that has publicly expressed his support of our mission and our Agents. He has been an outspoken candidate on the need for a Secure Border and for this we are grateful."

The statement went on to further praise Trump for expressing an interest in the concerns of border patrol agents and a willingness to view things from their perspective.

"We do not seek to give tours but if asked we will happily provide a tour that gives a realistic idea of what our Agents face on a daily basis," the statement added. "Donald Trump is the only candidate who has expressed this interest."

Pro-Immigration Forces Raise Their Voices

Meanwhile, pro-immigration forces took to the streets across the state on March 19, to raise their voices to Trump's proposed policies just hours before polls are scheduled to open in Arizona for the Republican primary.

Protester's blocked traffic leading into Fountain Hills, Arpaio's hometown, where Trump was scheduled to give a speech early Saturday morning.

"Donald Trump, shut it down, Phoenix is the people's town," demonstrators chanted.

Trump was also slated to appear at a town hall meeting with Fox News host Sean Hannity. The town where the rally is being held doesn't have its own police force and Arpaio's office is entrusted with providing police protection for the area.

"If they violate the law, they will go to the tents," he vowed of protesters. "I will have my vans out there to transport people who violate the law."

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