Arizona's GOP lawmakers are pushing forward with a resolution that could put one of the nation's most stringent immigration laws before the state's voters this November. Dubbed the "Secure the Border Act," the resolution known as HCR 2060, which mirrors legislation from Texas, is stirring controversy akin to Arizona's past legislative battles over immigration policy. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the measure would give state and local police the power to arrest individuals suspected of illegal border crossing, and notably criminalize the transport of fentanyl into the U.S.
Republicans argue the urgency of the situation, state Senate President Warren Petersen at a news conference declared "The voters are going to get the opportunity to decide border security issues and safety for this state," he asserted they're going to be able to decide to keep Arizona safe, but Democrats and critics are railing against the proposal, labeling it unconstitutional, divisive, and a flashback to the contentious SB 1070 law that faced Supreme Court rebuke, as reported by 12 News. In contrast, Governor Katie Hobbs has criticized the measure for bypassing genuine bipartisan negotiation, and the potential redirection of law enforcement resources from pressing local crimes.
Arizona's political landscape is no stranger to the tumult and discord sown by immigration law debates, which have frequently put the state in the national spotlight for its polarized stances and dramatic legislation on border control. The business community has also chimed in, concerned about the impact on labor forces, notably in industries with a significant undocumented worker base such as construction and hospitality. Daniel Ortega, an attorney engaged in past SB 1070 litigation, expressed anger over the revisitation of what many hoped was a bygone era, "I'm not as emotional this time as I was 14 years ago, but I'm angrier, because I thought we put that behind us," Ortega told 12 News.
With the prospect of HCR 2060 appearing on the November ballot, the onus could soon fall on Arizona voters to make a decisive call on this contentious issue, yet the provision lacks carved-out protections for key community institutions like churches, schools, and hospitals, raising concerns about a potential rampage on civil liberties and the specter of increased profiling. Sheriff David Rhodes echoes a practical sentiment, pondering the financial and logistical implications of enacting such a law: "I've asked my legislative friends the questions, Where is the money going to come from? How are we going to stand up public safety infrastructure?" his questions, as reported by 12 News, remain without firm answers as the debate intensifies.
