May 28, 2010 2:26 PM

Musicians Boycott Arizona to Protest Immigration Law

By
Stephanie Condon
Topics
Domestic Issues
Kanye West (Credit: AP Photo/FOX, Ray Mickshaw)

A group of popular musicians is jumping into the debate over Arizona's controversial new immigration law, joining a movement to boycott the state in protest of the measure.

Musical acts like Cypress Hill, Kanye West, Sonic Youth, Joe Satriani and others have signed onto the Sound Strike, a commitment to boycott performances in Arizona, organized by Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha.

"Fans of our music, our stories, our films and our words can be pulled over and harassed every day because they are brown or black, or for the way they speak, or for the music they listen to," de la Rocha wrote in a press release announcing the strike. "We are asking artists the world over to stand with us, and not allow our collective economic power to be used to aid and abet civil and human rights violations that will be caused by Arizona's odious law."

The Arizona measure, which was signed into law last month and goes into effect in July, requires immigrants in Arizona to carry documents verifying their immigration status. It also requires police officers to question a person about his or her immigration status during a "lawful stop" if there is "reasonable suspicion" that person may be in the country illegally.

Opponents of the law say it could lead to racial profiling, and many others are also advocating boycotts of the state as a form of protest. A number of municipalities have moved to cut their economic ties with Arizona, and some say professional sports leagues should do the same.

The group of musicians who have joined the Sound Strike include some Latino performers, such as Los Tigres del Norte, a band from Mexico, and Colombian singer Juanes. Colombian singer Shakira has also spoken out against the law.


Add a Comment See all 145 Comments
by JizMack July 27, 2010 1:12 PM EDT
Well considering Kanye West is a fraud, Cypress Hill are has beens, RATM always spout off and Joe Satriani is nothing more than a "Look at me" guitarist I'd say those are exactly the musicians we want boycotting Arizona.
Support AZ law and remove ALL Illegal Immigrants and their Anchor Babies.
Reply to this comment
by Buddy401 June 29, 2010 12:00 PM EDT
Boycott the boycotters, Don't buy their crap! I sure won't!
Reply to this comment
by ArizonaFlyBoy June 10, 2010 8:04 PM EDT
For English, stay on the line.

For Spanish, hang-up and call back when you learn English.
Reply to this comment
by jd2408 June 1, 2010 3:09 PM EDT
NO, not Kayne West. How can Arizona ever live without Kayne West. OMG
Reply to this comment
by drthvader May 31, 2010 12:25 PM EDT
After visiting a few blogs run by people inside the State of Arizona, I am amazed that not only the residents within the state are suffering, but the illegals themselves. Read at the Arizona Dept. of Public Saftey's site about the Drop Houses.
Reply to this comment
by jd2408 June 1, 2010 3:20 PM EDT
*Wow I see what you mean, they are really suffering,this from the site:
As of June 2009, a total of 203 human smugglers have been arrested with 245 felony charges filed. In addition, 70 drop houses have been investigated, $161,704 in U.S. currency has been seized and 987 undocumented aliens have been turned over to ICE.
by JenniferLittrell May 31, 2010 8:40 AM EDT
When will US stop discussing SB 1070? Is there any way to make the immigration law convenient for every layer of the American society? Discuss this and more on http://www.civiltalks.com
Reply to this comment
by ipost7 May 30, 2010 1:35 PM EDT
Boycott the n(AZ)i state!
Reply to this comment
by citizen01234 May 30, 2010 1:31 PM EDT
these groups can stand around with their hands on their crotches all they want.at least that way they wont be alone in their oppinions.
Reply to this comment
by pasmalltown May 30, 2010 10:01 AM EDT
by TCop May 29, 2010 5:49 PM EDT -
I further "forgot" to mention that given the current state of AZ "affairs"( or CA's for that matter), ANY KIND of boycott will further their fiscal woes - So were's the common sense in that? Look, there is no simple "fix" for illegal immigration and I am certainly not arguing that the problem needs to be addressed, yet this AZ law does nothing to address that problem on a national level and only puts them further in the "hole"......... If nothing else, even before it's enactment, it has created more problems FOR THE NATION than it can hope to solve in AZ.... Unless you honestly believe that the states can "force" the federal gov't into opening up a lot of fed tax dollars for state use and that it a legimate and reasonable course of action to solve illegal immigration in the United States....If that is what you and AZ are thinking than we are all better off doing away with the federal gov't's involvement in illegal immigration altogether and letting each state run their own show.....
Reply to this comment
by jd2408 June 1, 2010 3:08 PM EDT
Great idea ! The states should take over. I know they can do a better job than the Feds do. You are so right. Many states are talking about passing the same law as AZ has.
by pasmalltown May 30, 2010 9:40 AM EDT
by TCop May 29, 2010 5:49 PM EDT -
"...you accurately AZ's problems but failed to note CA's shortfalls."
The difference is this: AZ is attempting to correct the illegal alien problem, CA continues to embrace it."
----------------------------
Or could it be CA has simple "foresight"?

You continue to ignore the fact that AZ passed this law without any hopes to fund it.... Could it be that CA does not pass a law that they know they cannot fund???? I would hardly label that a "shortfall". "Fiscal responsibility" comes to mind, but a shortfall ONLY in the sense that CA has THE SENSE not to pass something(i.e. the enforcement) they cannot fund. Unless you want to admit that you want the federal gov't to foot the bill for AZ's selfish law, in which case every state that passes a similar law will have the "right" to ALL the fed dollars to fund their law's ENFORCEMENT - not unlike a "blank check".............
Reply to this comment
by pasmalltown May 31, 2010 6:24 AM EDT
by nottellin1 May 30, 2010 11:53 AM EDT
"You are an idiot that obviously does noy live in Cali! Fiscal responsibility and California state government are contradictory terms."
--------------------
That was part of my point to Tcop, pinhead. Why don't you go back and read the entire thread before calling someone an idiot. The major push was the fact that AZ's budget does not allow for passage of a bill they cannot fund, unless they expect or want to force the fed gov't into footing the bill to fund enforcement. If this is true then ALL states should pass a similar law, let the fed gov't get out of the illegal immigration business and let each state run the show. I don't have to live in CA to realize that this is an irresponsible solution to ANY states problem. You're "right" if CA passed a similar law and don't have to dollars to fund enforcement then they too are selfish and fiscally irresponsible...........
See all 145 Comments
.

Follow Political Hotsheet

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...