Arizona Immigration Decision: Early Reaction to SB1070

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer talks about signing the immigration bill SB1070 into law Friday, April 23, 2010, in Phoenix.

/ AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Updated 4:17 p.m. Eastern Time

Reaction is starting to come in to a judge's last-minute decision to put the most controversial aspects of the Arizona immigration law on hold, among them requirements that law enforcement must check a person's immigration status in certain situations and that immigrants carry their identification papers in public.

"Incredibly, even though there is not one person who can legitimately claim to be harmed by a law that has not even taken effect, the result of an injunction is de facto amnesty through non-enforcement of laws against illegal immigration," Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu and Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever said in a statement.

They added: "The federal government refuses to secure the border and leaves it to states like Arizona to bear the costs of its inaction. Yet, when we try to do the job they won't do, in a manner consistent with federal law, they stop us. You couldn't make up something this ridiculous."

The message from Attorney General Terry Goddard was far different. Goddard, a Democrat, is running for governor and opposed the Arizona law and the federal government's lawsuit.

"Rather than providing the leadership Arizona needs to solve the immigration problem, Jan Brewer signed a bill she could not defend in court which has led to boycotts, jeopardized our tourism industry and polarized our state," he said. "It is time to look beyond election year grandstanding and begin to repair the damage to Arizona's image and economy."

Brewer herself said she is "disappointed" in the decision though "heartened by some findings" in it. She vowed to soon file an appeal.

"I will battle all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, for the right to protect the citizens of Arizona," she said. "Meanwhile, I also know we still have work to do in confronting the fear-mongers, those dealing in hate and lies and economic boycotts that seek to do Arizona harm."

Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, an Arizona Democrat, said "the legal wrangling is just beginning." She predicted "months and months of courtroom battles" at the expense of Arizona taxpayers.

"There are no winners here - no matter what the courts ultimately decide, we will still have wasted millions of dollars and our borders will still not be secure," she said. "The Administration needs to stop pursuing this distraction, and start working with us to get the border region under control and develop a national immigration strategy."

U.S. Senate Candidate J.D. Hayworth, who is challenging Sen. John McCain in the Arizona Republican primary, complained in a statement that the judge "gutted" the law.

"The vast majority of Americans and Arizonans want this law implemented and the judge's action simply circumvents the people's will," he said. "Laws are made by citizens who are elected to serve in state legislatures and the U.S. Congress, and should not be made by federal judges who are appointed."

In a joint statement with Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, McCain said he is "deeply disappointed" in the ruling.

"Instead of wasting tax payer resources filing a lawsuit against Arizona and complaining that the law would be burdensome, the Obama Administration should have focused its efforts on working with Congress to provide the necessary resources to support the state in its efforts to act where the Federal government has failed to take responsibility," they said.

California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa released a statement saying the judge's decision should be overturned.

"I am certain that the Supreme Court would agree that there is no legal recourse or precedent for stopping a state from operating within its rights by asserting its sovereignty in support of immigration laws that the federal government has failed to enforce," he said. "There's nowhere in the Constitution that says a state is limited to what it absolutely won't do and can be stopped for what it might do and to exercise a judgment against a state that has passed a law that is consistent with existing federal law is beyond absurd."

The reaction wasn't all bad: California Democratic Rep. Joe Baca responded with a statement that said "Thank God there is a God."

"Today's decision to block the most extreme aspects of Arizona's SB 1070 upholds the constitution of the United States and helps to ensure respect, dignity, and equal treatment for all people," he said. "The bible tells us to love thy neighbor as thyself. By blocking the most outrageous aspects of Arizona's law from taking effect, this decision is an important victory over fear and hatred."

The Justice Department, meanwhile, celebrated the decision.

"We believe the court ruled correctly when it prevented key provisions of SB1070 from taking effect," Justice Department spokesperson Hannah August said. "While we understand the frustration of Arizonans with the broken immigration system, a patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement and would ultimately be counterproductive. States can and do play a role in cooperating with the federal government in its enforcement of the immigration laws, but they must do so within our constitutional framework."

That sentiment was echoed by the Department of Homeland Security.

"The court's decision to enjoin most of SB1070 correctly affirms the federal government's responsibilities in enforcing our nation's immigration laws," said Deputy Press Secretary Matt Chandler. "Over the past eighteen months, this Administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to secure the border, and we will continue to work to take decisive action to disrupt criminal organizations and the networks they exploit. DHS will enforce federal immigration laws in Arizona and around the country in smart, effective ways that focus our resources on criminal aliens who pose a public safety threat and employers who knowingly hire illegal labor, as well as continue to secure our border."

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[alreadylogedin]

I guess you people don't understand....This is Obamas sneaky way if giving amnesty...this is amnesty...this will give him the votes he wants...the only thing is Americans aren't going to settle for this....it will be temporary until after the election....Obama is just using Mexicans for his use and the biggest user if illegals. We don't just care about the bad guys, i our eyes they are all bad guys because they are stealing off our social security, medicare, schools, taxes....even the nicest, sweetest illegal, is a crook....they are illegal. All states have to start one way or another, to take away all the perks. No schools, no hospitals, no anchor babies, no buying homes. No Obama who has to start racism in order to get votes. Thats why Regan gave illegals amnesty, he was doing poorly and elections were coming, he raced for amnesty. We need some good minds, not just greedy ones. Maybe we should keep the border down and demand the same dual citizenship the Mexicans are getting right now.

[alreadylogedin]

It's more important than ever we press on and change laws, to get illegals out. I'm in San Diego right now and one Mexican mother after another with their new babies and small children were at a popular warehouse. All nicely dressed, none having to work all affording treats and lunches for their 3 and 4 young anchor children. Illegals were told by Mexican activists how to get here and how to work our system, the laws, the rules for every advantage possible, much more than the average American...and they take full advantage, acting like we owe it to them and they are legal. It's the attitude that makes one mad. They went on TV saying they are protected under our constitution and they have rights to be here. They ignore the fact they are criminals. In California we can report them, that is my goal.

[jimmyc1955]

MurdochSucks - I'm sure the Federal law is specific enough to enforce, and she could be calling on FBI, INS, Border Patrol, b

That is where the problem comes in. They are not doing their job. First the FBI isnt' involved, the border patrol only gets them AS they come over the board and INS isn't doing it's job.

And exactly why would she "call them" since police aren't allowed to ask for ID?

You're under the illusion that the feds are already enforcing the law - but if Arizona has hundreds of thousands of illegals already there it would appear they AREN'T enforcing the law.

[sharkboy234]

Bring illeagal immagration to the us mexican/indian slam this. HATE THE TEA PARTY!

[concernedsenior]

The Judge's ruling in the Arizona Immigration seems to me to be very biased and not based on common sense law. We all have to show some sort of proof to identify us as legal citizens when we request services to board a ship, airplane, drive an auto,visit another country. Only those persons who are in the United States Illegally(NO SUCH THING AS UNDOCUMENTED)are complaining and causing problems. Our legal rights are being deluted by these people demanding more rights than we have. Our politicians know where the votes are and have used this underhanded illegal method to obtain votes. I hope this is not the end of this case and that the state of Arizona should fight back. There are alot of people feeling the same way and we should all band together to let our representatives know how we feel.

[doc444]

It looks like the law of the gun is well on its way when all else fails. It is the reason for the 2nd amendment. This judge as many others have thrown us all under the bus (except those that are not interested in the USA) I never thought I would be on the side of the white power militia but I am rapidly going that way. I use to like all the Mexican people that I came in contact with but now I have to work to do that. I see the wave of border jumpers as invaders that are taking my country over with out a shot being fired. God help the USA it is on its last legs. To all of you border jumpers you are soon going to kill the goose with the golden egg soon very soon this country will look and be no different from the craphole you came from.

[mkfarnam]

I was wondering when Joe Boca was going to stick his nose in! He's such a coward he had to wait until AFTER the decision to add his 2 cents.
That SB needs to be shot!

[documemts]

Victory for sanity and reason over bigotry and stupidity.

[cleric60]

"In those days there was no king in Israel (no president in the USA) everyone did what was right (legal) in his/her own eyes.
Sad to say, human history repeats itself.

[MurdochSucks]

What on Earth are you talking about. You want to have anarchy? That doesn't work very well in the real world. Perhaps you should move to the Vatican.

[zoeymaddy]

ok i need to get this straight,obamas justice system,that is paid by us, the legal citizens of the united states of america,has spent money,that by the way they don't have,to PROTECT the ILLEGIAL ALIENS!what in Gods name is wrong with this picture?i have to carry id with me at all times whether or not i'm driving my car or walking around the block,what is so unjust about them,carrying their papers,since they never leave home without their illegially gotten access card?????at this point i REALLY don't give a rats a--,if this is profiling or not.look at what iran did to those 3 young people who accidently crossed into their country,they are still there aren't they?i only wish our federal government worried about us as much as they worry about ILLEGIALS,and their civil rights,PLEASE explain to me what rights they have,or what rights they deserve.HELLO,these people are here illegially,they have already commited a crime,and we worry about their rights!ya know i tried to give obama the benefit of the doubt,with many of his ideas,BUT this one issue has REALLY burned my butt!!!i only wish that they were as worried for me and others who have lost their job,and as that goes my health insurance,oh yes he passed that wonderful healthcare bill,well guess what i STILL don't have the money to pay for insurance,without a job,but even though i only get unemployment,i still make to much money to qualify for the access card,so guess what i have NO meds,but we legal americans,have no rights,and now we know our prez don't give a darn about us i say one word IMPEACH!!!!!

[MurdochSucks]

First, illegals pay taxes also. Second, they are not trying to protect illegal immigrants. They are trying to protect law abiding, legal residents of darker complexion from the harassment of racial profiling. Go tan for a long time and see it from the other side, or you could dress up in Latino face for a day, much quicker lesson.

[jezzabella60]

Can you get more ignorant?