(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

President Donald Trump hinted at a possible pardon for former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio at a rally Tuesday night in Phoenix.

“Was [former sheriff Joe] convicted for doing his job?” President Trump asked the crowd. “I’ll make a prediction, I think he’s going to be just fine.”

“I won’t do it tonight because I don’t want to cause any controversy,” he added.

Arpaio, who did not attend the rally, was convicted July 31 of criminal contempt of court for failing to stop traffic patrols targeting immigrants after being ordered to do so by a federal judge.

When reached Tuesday night, Arpaio said he was surprised the president mentioned him.

(AP)