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Oops: Arizona Can't Enforce New Law Without Fed Help

And isn't likely to get it

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2010 6:45 AM CDT | Updated Jul 28, 2010 7:43 AM CDT
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(Newser) – When the Arizona immigration law takes effect tomorrow, police will be able to check the immigration status of people stopped for routine infractions like speeding, detain them if they turn out to be illegal immigrants, then ... probably release them after a while. Turns out that since only the federal government has the authority to deport people, Arizona can round 'em up, but can't send 'em home. And federal authorities don't appear inclined to help Arizona enforce the law they are challenging in court.

The federal immigration agency's top priorities for deportation are serious criminals, re-entering felons, and recent border-crossers, a spokesman for Homeland Security told the Wall Street Journal. Anyone who doesn't fit into these categories might be issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge, but won't be detained for deportation. Officials say they don't plan to let Arizona's dragnet interfere with their priorities or create a logjam of detainees.

A Border Patrol agent is reflected in the mirror as he and another agent patrol near the US-Mexico border in Nogales, AZ, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law takes effect Thursday, July 29.
A Border Patrol agent is reflected in the mirror as he and another agent patrol near the US-Mexico border in Nogales, AZ, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law takes effect Thursday, July 29.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Traffic moves along the border fence separating Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.
Traffic moves along the border fence separating Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Inmates are seen from tents ready to house up to 110 inmates, July 27, 2010 at Maricopa County jail in Phoenix. The tents were set up to house illegal immigrants arrested under the new immigration law
Inmates are seen from tents ready to house up to 110 inmates, July 27, 2010 at Maricopa County jail in Phoenix. The tents were set up to house illegal immigrants arrested under the new immigration law   (AP Photo/Matt York)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 80 comments
myflap.blow
Jul 28, 2010 3:51 PM CDT
Oops: who didn't see this coming?
coppermouse
Jul 28, 2010 1:27 PM CDT
I wish all states had this law and enforced it. What do you think would happen to you if you were in another country illegally?? Say, oh, Iran for instance. Well we know what they do to illegals don't we, even if you stumble over their border by accident.
Timinator2K
Jul 28, 2010 1:02 PM CDT
Phuck the Feds. November, THEY ALL GO. Please, do your best to stop it, communists WILL be crushed.

 
immigration • illegal immigrant • Arizona • deportation • Homeland Security • Arizona immigration law

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