Portions of Arizona’s Controversial Senate Bill 1070 Blocked

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued a partial injunction preventing certain portions of SB1070 from taking effect.  SB1070, also known as the “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act,” was signed into law April 23, 2010 by Arizona’s Governor, Janice K. Brewer.  It is scheduled to go into effect tomorrow, July 29, 2010.  The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the State of Arizona and Governor Brewer, arguing that SB1070 interferes with the Federal government’s ability to set and enforce national immigration policies.   

SB1070 has created widespread controversy and outrage due to its harsh immigration provisions that many believe violate civil and constitutional rights.  Today, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton blocked key provisions from taking effect tomorrow.  Among the provisions include the reasonable suspicion section allowing police to arrest and detain suspected illegal immigrants without a warrant.  In addition, Judge Bolton enjoined the provisions making it illegal for undocumented day laborers to solicit or perform work and the provision requiring immigrants to carry federal immigration documents. 

Many SB1070 provisions will go into effect as planned.  For example, starting tomorrow, it will become a crime for Arizona state officials to interfere with or refrain from enforcement of federal immigration laws.  It will also be a crime to pick up and transport day laborers across Arizona or to give rides to or harbor illegal immigrants.  Also, if a vehicle is used to transport an illegal immigrant, it can be impounded.

Please contact our office if you have any questions about SB1070.

Tags: Arizona, Department of Justice, Governor Janice Brewer, SB1070, Susan Bolton
Posted in Alerts, Crimes and Immigration, Politics/Current Events | Read More »