The new Arizona law in effect orders every Arizona law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation to determine someone’s immigration status. If they suspect people they encounter in the course of their duties are illegal immigrants, they must now determine whether the people are in the country legally and make an arrest — as long as it is practical and doesn’t interfere with an ongoing investigation. Backers of the law contend that it simply empowers local police to use existing federal immigration laws and will be applied sparingly. “Officers in Arizona are professionals,” said Brian Livingston, executive director of the Arizona Police Assn., “We don’t care what race people are.”
“This law will make every officer in the state an ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] officer, said Salvador Reza, a Latino activist here.
What is wrong with enforcing our country’s laws? And since Arizona sits on the US – Mexico border, then how can it be racial profiling if a law enforcement officer asks someone they suspect of being in the country illegally for identification? Of course someone who looks like they are from Mexico, and does not speak any English, will be confronted more frequently. The law of averages, and basic investigative skills doesn’t automatically equal racial profiling does it?
GMar
