Republican lawmakers in Arizona are planning to put a ballot measure before voters in November that would make unlawfully entering the state from Mexico a state crime. This proposal would give local police officers the authority to arrest and detain migrants and allow state judges to order their deportation. If passed, this would be a significant shift for Arizona, which has recently taken a more moderate approach to immigration issues after the controversial actions of figures like Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former President Donald Trump.
The move by lawmakers is expected to energize anti-immigration conservative voters and engage independents who may not be otherwise enthusiastic about voting. It could also have an impact on other measures on the same ballot, such as one concerning the right to abortion, which Democrats hope will attract more voters. The proposed border enforcement measure is seen as a response to the current border crisis, with growing frustration over the presence of migrants along the border wall and the increase in fentanyl smuggling and resulting deaths.
While Republicans believe that voters are ready for a crackdown on immigration due to the ongoing border crisis, opponents argue that the proposed law will not improve border security or address the issue of asylum seekers. They fear that it will reignite the turmoil and paranoia that followed the passage of S.B. 1070 in 2010, a state immigration enforcement law that was partially struck down after years of protests and litigation. The Biden administration has sued to block similar laws passed in Texas and Iowa, calling them unconstitutional.
The proposed Arizona law has received criticism from various groups, including business organizations, religious leaders, and border towns, who argue that enforcing immigration laws is the responsibility of the federal government. The law is also expected to face legal challenges if voters pass it in November. Latino voters and suburban moderates in Arizona have expressed concerns about the impact of the law on immigrant families and the state’s economy, leading to opposition to the measure from various sectors of society.
Despite opposition from some quarters, supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to address the lack of border control and the surge in migrants crossing into the state. The law would allow local sheriffs to charge migrants with illegal entry, with a range of penalties depending on the circumstances. However, concerns have been raised about the practical implications of the law, including the strain it could put on law enforcement resources and the potential for abuse if officers are given broad discretion to make arrests.
Immigrant activists are already mobilizing against the measure, expressing concerns about the impact it could have on immigrant communities in Arizona. They fear a return to a time of fear and uncertainty for immigrants in the state, and worry about the consequences for legal residents and citizens with immigrant backgrounds. The proposed law highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy in Arizona and the broader impacts it could have on the state’s political landscape and social fabric.
