The sheriff took an oath to obey the constitution. Not the mayor, not the governor, not even the president. the sheriff was elected by the people of his or her county. that means the sheriff was chosen by the people. he or she is NOT appointed by some public official, the sheriff is the supreme law officer of the county. His or her main duty is to protect and defend the rights of the people in that county. Most will not believe this, but if federal officials come in that county and do something that is violating the people's rights, the sheriff has the authority to order them to cease and leave. That's right, the sheriff can order federal or state personnel to leave. And the sheriff has the right to assemble a militia if need be. I will repeat that. The sheriff is the supreme law officer of that county. He or she has the right to order anyone out of that county who is violating the constitutional rights of the people. Also is obligated to refuse to obey any order that would violate the rights of the people.