According to a Los Angeles Times article on the new bill SB 1070:
Arizona lawmakers on Tuesday approved what foes and supporters agree is the toughest measure in the country against illegal immigrants, directing local police to determine whether people are in the country legally. The bill’s author, State Sen. Russell Pearce, said it simply “takes the handcuffs off of law enforcement and lets them do their job.”
But police were deeply divided on the matter, with police unions backing it but the state police chief’s association opposing the bill, contending it could erode trust with immigrants who could be potential witnesses. Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona would be transformed into a police state.
“It’s beyond the pale,” said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. “It appears to mandate racial profiling.”
Check out this CNN report courtesy of Rick Sanchez where he discusses public reaction and the possiblity that this new law could be spreading to other states very soon.
Is this profiling or is Arizona just tying to protect their border???
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I am guessing this is going to be a big issue. The one and only thing I worry about with this is those who are illegally here will feel like they can’t go to the police when crimes are committed against them or in their neighborhood, or go to the emergency room.
I think there can be a real balance between rule of law and controlling what is going on in the AZ.
Personally I don’t think being illegal is as bad as robbing a bank, BUT if an illegal joins a gang, drives drunk, robs, steals, rapes or commits some other serious crime, they should be deported.
Sad day for humanity really.
The law is based on justifiable means but the law itself was enacted a bit incorrectly. Arizona is the world’s second highest kidnapping location, second to Mexico. The Mexican drug cartel and its violence has spilled over gradually into Arizona and for many years they’ve requested federal intervention to hinder the epidemic of violence generated by this spread. Arizona felt their cries fell on deaf ears and therefore created this law. Seems like a retaliation method by Arizona government because it can be seen as “You didn’t help when we asked, so we will make the most controversial law possible.”
Well they succeeded. By the way Life, you guys are severely late with this story. Nonetheless, I wonder what this will do to citizens not connected to the cartel.
POTUS was against this. How can one rise above him and do such a thing. Us mexicans gotta walk around with our birth certificates now.
Good they just wanna be here free without following the law, it’s to much non sense going on here.
This is America and as much as I don’t want to have some crazy Mexicans shooting up my town we must remember that unless you are a Native American YOU are immigrant here. Especially if you are a black, not only are you an immigrant but you are essentially an indentured servant. No one should be required to carry anything but proper state id.
I love my country but come on people!
i like it.