Arizona immigration law: Picketers ask Phoenix cops to not enforce SB 1070

[marmar]

Arizona immigration law: Picketers ask Phoenix cops to not enforce SB 1070
by Michael Ferraresi - Jul. 27, 2010 12:28 PM

The Arizona Republic


Two days before Arizona's new immigration law takes effect, a group of picketers took to Phoenix City Hall, holding up signs asking the police department not to enforce the stringent law.

About 20 opponents on Tuesday hoisted signs that featured spray-painted Phoenix Police Department logos and the message, "Do Not Comply With SB 1070." The protesters were organized by Puente, a Hispanic advocacy group known for its support of day laborers.

The picket occurred blocks away from the U.S. District Court building, where federal Judge Susan Bolton is weighing arguments on whether parts of the legislation should be struck down. Seven lawsuits have been filed against SB 1070.

Carlos Garcia, a group leader, said residents are increasingly concerned with the city's lack of information explaining how Phoenix police will implement the new law. The law set to go into effect on Thursday makes it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally and mandates that officers, when practicable, check the immigration status of people during lawful stops.

Garcia, who lives in Phoenix, said he and other residents wanted the police department to outline how the new law could impact them on the streets or when they call officers for help.

The complete piece is at: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/07/27/20100727arizona-immigraton-law-phoenix-city-hall-protest-brk27-ON.html#comments#ixzz0uytuiYTO

[razorman]

1. I don't think it's a good idea to encourage cops to pick and choose

which laws they will enforce. Their job is to enforce the laws as written. Naturally, we do not like this DB 1070, but there are other ways to change the situation. If you encourage the police to disregard this law, they may also decide to ignore others that they don't care for, like hate crime or anti-discrimination laws.