An immigration proposal on Arizona’s ballots this fall is stirring concerns across the political spectrum. As part of coverage for swing states, NPR is focusing on Arizona, where voters will have a chance to decide on immigration policy. NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo provides the report.
Volunteers and interns from Aliento, a Phoenix-based advocacy organization, are actively engaged in making phone calls to discuss the issue. This group, which includes young activists between the ages of 17 and 38, has encountered various phases of Arizona’s immigration legislation. Eric Garcia recalls initiating his activism efforts in 2004 in opposition to a law known as SB 1070. This 2010 legislation authorized local law enforcement to demand proof of documentation at any given time, a law later deemed unconstitutional. The current proposition on this year’s ballot evokes a similar sense of concern for Garcia.
Reyna Montoya, the CEO of Aliento, voices the sentiment that the proposition does not accurately represent Arizona. Aliento is among the organizations actively opposing Prop 314, which would permit local law enforcement to arrest, detain, process, and deport individuals suspected of crossing the Arizona-Mexico border outside legal entry points.
State Senator John Kavanagh, one of the authors of the measure, argues that Arizona seeks to align with Texas by aiding the federal government in implementing immigration law. Earlier this year, Arizona became the busiest sector for border patrol encounters, putting pressure on local officials responsible for handling asylum seekers. Kavanagh claims that migrants, even those who are undocumented in the state, technically should not be concerned as officers require probable cause, which typically means witnessing someone crossing the border.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, president of the Sheriff’s Association, expresses doubts about the effectiveness of the measure, citing frustration with federal government efforts. Rhodes believes the measure falls short in providing the necessary resources for local law enforcement.
Doug Nicholls, the Republican Mayor of Yuma, echoes concerns about insufficient resources and training for officers to implement the mandate. Critics of the measure argue it lacks clarity regarding geographical enforcement and what defines probable cause. Monica Villalobos, president of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber, warns of potential negative consequences on Arizona’s image and its economic growth.
Reyna Montoya and Aliento aim to mobilize 50,000 young Latino voters against the proposition, having already reached 2,000 calls by the end of a recent evening. The organization hopes to maintain this momentum leading up to the polls.
Ximena Bustillo reported this story for NPR News from Phoenix.
