Legislature Sends Major Border Enforcement Measure to Governor

(State Capitol, Arizona) After tens of thousands of illegal aliens and their supporters took to the streets of Phoenix and Tucson to protest against border enforcement, the state legislature reinforced the rule of law by making it a state crime to cross into Arizona illegally. Senate President Ken Bennett and House Speaker Jim Weiers announced passage on April 12, 2006 of a major border enforcement bill that creates the state crime of trespass for those who enter the United States illegally and are caught in Arizona. Under Senate Bill 1157, being in Arizona in violation of immigration laws would be a class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense. Subsequent arrests would subject the person to being charged with felony offenses. The bill gives local law enforcement a tool they have never had before. For the first time, in situations where there is reason to believe that a person is in the United States illegally, state and local officers will have the basis to hold and transfer the person to federal authorities or bring that person in on a state charge. President Bennett said, "This bill sends the message that our border means something, and that for the sake of Arizona's economy, public safety and environment, the only legitimate immigration is lawful immigration." "This legislation says that there are consequences for committing illegal acts," said House Speaker Jim Weiers. "Arizona must eliminate as many incentives as possible for illegal immigrants to come here." Bill sponsor, Senator Barbara Leff, said, "All too often we hear that law enforcement cannot enforce federal law, so nothing is done. Under this proposal, local law enforcement will not be enforcing federal law, they will be enforcing Arizona's law." SB 1157 will create a fingerprint database of those charged with this crime, especially critical in tracking coyotes, drug dealers and other negative elements among illegal border crossers. The measure should also act as a deterrent to entering Arizona illegally.