Arizona Legislature
1700 West Washington, Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2844
Senate President Ken Bennett (R-1)
602-926-5584
House Speaker Jim Weiers (R-10)
602-926-4173
April 12, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legislature Sends Major Border Enforcement Measure to Governor
(State Capitol, Arizona) – Two day 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 announce passage today 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.
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For further information contact:
Nick Simonetta, Communications and Policy Advisor to the Majority
Arizona State Senate
Office: (602) 926-5418, e-mail: nsimonet@azleg.gov
OR
Barrett Marson, Director of Communications
Arizona House of Representatives
Office: (602) 926-3233, e-mail: bmarson@azleg.gov