Yuma, Arizona (AZ Family) — Law enforcement agencies in Arizona’s border towns are preparing to crack down on immigration at the state level in response to Proposition 314. border security lawpassed with nearly 63% of voters in favor as of Thursday’s results.
Although most Arizona voters approved the ballot measure, funding remains a key issue for local police and county sheriffs, who will be taking on duties that until recently were handled by the federal government.
Crossing the border illegally between ports of entry is a federal crime. Now, Prop. 314 makes it a national crime, giving police the power to arrest immigrants suspected of illegally entering Arizona through Mexico at locations other than ports of entry.
Under state law, illegal entry is a first-degree misdemeanor if it’s a first offense, and subsequent offenses are felonies. It would also give state judges the power to order deportations.
“We’re not looking to specifically target or specifically search for illegal aliens,” said Lt. Emmanuel Botero of the San Luis Police Department.
While supporters of the bill say it will help secure Arizona’s borders, Botello believes this is a federal job that requires federal money.
“Our priority will continue to be to protect the lives of our residents and protect their property. This will continue to be our number one priority,” Botero said.
Yuma Police Chief Thomas Garrity said while he agrees that immigration should remain at the federal level, he is ready for the obligations that come with Proposition 314.
“There will be no additional resources coming in for us as a result of this, but rather additional work and additional duties,” he said. “For me, that’s going to be the big issue, that’s prison.”
“As a police department, we must ensure that the policies we have in place and the training we conduct are fair, constitutional and respectful for all.” Garrity said.
Advocates opposed to the bill have warned that it could lead to racial profiling, but Garrity assured the community that won’t happen in Yuma.
“We’re not going to ask people who are victims or witnesses about their immigration status. We’re just going to focus on the crime,” Garrity said.
Prop 314 is modeled after Texas. SB4currently under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court. Parts of the bill would not go into effect unless a court rules the Texas law is constitutional.
Violators cannot be prosecuted until a similar law is in effect for 60 consecutive days, according to the Associated Press.
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