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Democratic Party of NM

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Top GOP Governor Candidates Support Arizona SB 1070, Show Me Your Papers

Reasonably

The leading Republican candidates for New Mexico Governor today came out in support of Arizona's controversial immigration law, siding with the extreme right over New Mexico families. In an Albuquerque Journal article published today, the three GOP frontrunners -- Allen Weh, Susana Martinez and Pete Domenici JUNIOR -- praised the Arizona law. Amazingly, not one of the GOP candidates took the opportunity to condemn the racial profiling that will no doubt result from the bill.

The law has been strongly criticized, worldwide, for going too far and creating an environment conducive to racial profiling and infringement on the individual rights of law-abiding citizens. Just today, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the federal government may challenge Arizona's new law, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who served as Arizona governor prior to her federal appointment, said Arizona's new immigration law could siphon federal money and staff needed to go after truly dangerous immigrants. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Napolitano said the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement fears it will have to use its stretched resources to deal with those arrested under Arizona's new law. Napolitano twice vetoed similar legislation when she was governor of Arizona.

Many experienced law enforcement professionals are also against the new law. The AP that, "Current law in most states doesn't require police to ask about the immigration status of those they encounter, and many police departments prohibit officers from inquiring out of fear immigrants won't cooperate in other investigations."

The Arizona Republic reported that police chiefs said officers "will have to make immigration enforcement their priority over every other type of crime." The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police stated that SB 1070 "will negatively affect the ability of law enforcement agencies across the state to fulfill their many responsibilities in a timely manner."

"It's shocking that in a state as diverse as New Mexico, the three GOP frontrunners would not immediately come out against this dangerous law," said Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales in a statement released today. "New Mexicans know racial profiling and fear is not the way to address immigration reform but, unfortunately, the Republican candidates disagree. Weh, Martinez and Domenici Jr. are showing their true colors, siding with the extreme right-wing instead of New Mexicans. Their extreme positions will not be forgotten on Election Day."

The Republicans, however, have a tendency to see everything in black and white or, in this case, brown and white. They don't see any constitutional dangers in giving the police free rein to demand papers from anyone they deem "reasonably suspicious" -- thus opening the door to racial and ethnic profiling and potential harassment of virtually anyone whose look isn't appealing to a given law enforcement officer. Talk about creating a police-state atmosphere! 

Here's what the leading GOP gubernatorial candidates had to say:

Frontrunner Allen Weh, who has angered and insulted many New Mexicans over the years because of a perceived anti-immigrant, even anti-Hispanic bent, said, "Arizona's new law compels us more than ever to enforce existing law, or risk becoming an even bigger magnet for illegal immigrants and criminals. I'll start by rescinding the executive order barring State Police from reporting illegal immigrants that they stop or apprehend, and ending driver's licenses for illegal immigrants."

Note Weh's rhetorical connection of "immigrants" to "criminals." Because, you know, in Weh's world the line is blurred. He doesn't explain how Arizona authorities will be able to know, just by looking, whether someone is an "illegal immigrant," an Hispanic who has lived in what is now the United States for centuries or someone who has a visa or has attained citizenship.

Susana Martinez raised the specter of out of control crime, insinuating that most undocumented immigrants are, by nature, violent criminals: "Just last week, an illegal immigrant was arrested in Las Cruces for sexually assaulting an 8-year old girl. I prosecute these cases and understand the concerns in Arizona. We must end policies that attract illegal immigrants, such as providing them with driver's licenses and sanctuary policies that provide criminals refuge."

I have to wonder if she'd enjoy being stopped and harassed in Arizona because her Hispanic features make her look "reasonably suspicious" in terms of how the law is written. Maybe she never sets foot in Arizona or she doesn't get that if a law requires the police to judge whether people are citizens or not by how they look, she might just might find herself suspected of being a criminal and locked in a holding cell if she isn't carrying her birth certificate.

Pete Domenici JUNIOR apparently thinks it's a good idea for states to usurp federal administration of immigration laws and go it on their own. He also seems completely unaware that prominent law enforcement experts believe Arizona's law will hurt their efforts to fight crime, not enhance it. And he's even contemplating the enactment of a similar law in New Mexico: "As governor, I will oppose sanctuary status in New Mexico, will secure our borders and will enhance law enforcement tools while recognizing New Mexico's heritage and protecting individual rights. It may be possible to tailor appropriate provisions of Arizona's recent law for New Mexico. Waiting for Congress is not sufficient."

Funny, it's the right-wing Republicans in Congress who are most vehemently opposed to comprehensive immigration reform!

April 27, 2010 at 03:13 PM in 2010 NM Governor's Race, Allen Weh, Civil Liberties, Crime, Hispanic Issues, Immigration, Law Enforcement, Minority Issues, Pete Domenici Jr., Republican Party, Susana Martinez | Permalink

Comments

The Republicans are pandering to their racist teabagger base. But why aren't the teabaggers against this unconstitutional law? Maybe they don't care about the constitution as long as minorities are getting hounded. They are all such hypocrites.

Posted by: Pandering GOP | Apr 27, 2010 4:17:46 PM

The TEA Party people are big on state sovereignty. Best thing is to have the law challenged, let the SCOTUS sort it out.

Posted by: Ellen Wedum | Apr 27, 2010 7:00:47 PM

Oh I thought they were big on the US constitution. That's what they are always saying. They say whatever allows them to be racist, sexist, narrow minded ignoramuses if you ask me.

Posted by: Randy | Apr 27, 2010 8:07:03 PM

This sort of racist pandering is why I call them Rethuglicans.

Posted by: Proud Democrat | Apr 27, 2010 8:27:53 PM

The Republican candidates are correct: by definition illegal immigrants are criminals. What part of illegal don't you understand?

Posted by: Keyes | Apr 28, 2010 12:02:25 AM

What part of UNCONSTITUTIONAL don't YOU understand Keys?

Seriously are you really OK with racial profiling and Arizona becoming a "show me your papers" Police state?

Posted by: VP | Apr 28, 2010 6:58:57 AM

"Keyes" doesn't even understand what the legal and constitutional issues are. Going by his crazy views police should have free rein to enter everyone's home because some crime may have been committed there. The cops should be able to search everyone and their homes and cars whenever they want because crimes may have been committed there. Don't forget the cops should also get to decide on their own whether someone is "suspicious" based on how they look.

Posted by: atty | Apr 28, 2010 7:51:58 AM

Of course, the Journal also stacked the photos of all five Repubs with their racist screeds on top of Diane's photo and statement, giving the greatest possible visual weight to this sorry batch of candidates from the right.

Why anyone pays for that paper, I don't know.

Meanwhile the Catholic Bishops have tried to provide some moral authority, whatever good that does.

Posted by: bg | Apr 28, 2010 7:54:06 AM

This draconian Fascist AZ law has brought the issue to the forefront in congress. We will see if congress will have the huevos to stand up against the big employers of illegal immigrants. We will see if they have the vision to understand the disastrous policies of Globalization and NAFTA that has created waves of unstoppable economic refugees. We all have to be willing to pay the true price for our food and goods and services for the sake of American jobs and our quality of life.
NM has historically absorbed Mexicans for hundreds of years. Mexicans have been body and house servants, farm workers and gardeners. Mexicans have provided our people with high quality and tender childcare and eldercare throughout history. Many of these Mexicans went on to become fine US citizens raising great hardworking and socially responsible citizens. They were precious to us.
It is with the advent of mass hiring of cheap labor without labor rights and benefits that the problems began.

Posted by: qofdisks | Apr 28, 2010 9:30:59 AM

gofdisks I strongly agree. We need to fix the underlying problems that make human beings into widgets and slave laborers

Posted by: Nick | Apr 28, 2010 10:44:44 AM

AZ 1070 is NOT about racial profiling. It is about requiring people to follow US immigration law. Why do so many people not understand that a foreign national living & working in the US without proper authorization from the US government is living here in violation of the laws? Why is that so difficult to understand? Read AZ 1070. Then compare it to federal immigration laws. The Arizona law is just like the federal law.

People that are continually talking about this being about racial profiling are just demonstrating their ignorance. You're just too lazy to actually read what AZ 1070 says. Rather than taking the time to inform yourselves and then decide for yourself regarding the meaning and value of the laws you assume that everything you see and hear on the "news" (propaganda) is true. Think for yourself!

US citizens have a right to decide who enters and lives in the US. US citizens have the right to expect foreign nationals to respect US laws--including immigration laws. And that is what AZ 1070 is really about.

Those of you that attack & critize this AZ 1070 need to understand that what you are advocating is disrepect for the rule of law. Think carefully about what that means in practice. Is that what you really want?

Posted by: Yolanda | Apr 28, 2010 1:36:01 PM

Yolanda you write like a right wing talking point. The federal government is charged with dealing with immigration for a reason. Local police forces are not equipped, trained or sophisticated enough to conduct immigration investigations and cases. State laws don't have the proper legalities to do it either. Giving police the power to stop anyone because they look suspicious is a recipe for disaster. Why do you trust the police so much? Many local police forces are already underfunded, poorly trained and dealing with serious crimes without having them also be ICE agents.

You want any old local officer having the power to be judge and jury with the power to lock someone named "Yolanda" up for a good while because of your name alone and your brownish skin? Do you carry your birth certificate or citizenship papers everywhere with you?

If it's not about racial profiling, can you tell me how cops will decide to stop one person and not another? It's absurd on its face and so are your arguments.

Forcing local police to demand people's papers and arrest those who can't immediately prove their status will do nothing to make us safer. What it will do is divert scarce police resources to address false threats and force officers to prioritize immigration enforcement over all other public safety responsibilities. How stupid.

Posted by: Studying Law | Apr 28, 2010 5:36:05 PM

Yolanda,
Our immigration laws are as onerous and unenforcible as our Drug Laws. The world is not so black and white. Just because it is the law does not make it "just". Unjust and impossibly enforced law set the citizens down the path of disrespect for the law and fear of law enforcers. Immigration control is just another government agency growing ever larger out of proportion of it's cause with a mission of creating human misery, if accomplished, would be a conflict of interest. Immigration control is just another black hole fomented into endless growth by fear and anger. I can only hope that the vindictiveness of this law will serve to reign in this bottomless money pit of human misery and violation of civil rights.

Posted by: qofdisks | Apr 28, 2010 6:10:31 PM

I was born in Mississippi and I am a U.S citizen living in Arizona for 15 years now. My family like the majority of families in America came to the United States via Ellis Island in New York hundreds of years ago and became United States citizens. The issue with state bill 1070 is a citizenship issue not a racial issue. If the majority of the illegal immigrants entering Arizona were Arabic, Romanian, or from the planet Jupiter as an example, would there be so much controversy? Our southern borders are not safe they are being overrun by drug dealers who will kill people and do almost anything to get their drugs into the United States (Juarez Mexico as an example). Also there are coyotes who take the citizens of Mexico’s or anyone else for example terrorist who managed to sneak into Mexico money to get them across the border to find out that they have to pay more money to get away from the coyotes and live in deplorable conditions until they do. The federal government has immigration laws that have been in effect for many years (with no controversy) but the department of immigration is under staffed and under budget. We need to focus on defending and securing our borders. People forget that the terrorist who attacked us on September/ 11/ 2001 were not U.S citizens either America was angry and outraged then but in a since forgotten that tragedy. For the illegal people (all nationalities, race, creed, color, gender, and whatever else) who have lived in the United States for many years and think that they somehow have the right to be here or “grandfather” in is in my opinion like a car thief who stole car years ago and has not gotten caught yet. I am all for people becoming American citizens but they should follow the correct legal process that the federal government has made law. Arizona has the right to also instate and enforce a law that requires everyone to be able to provide proof of citizenship. In the state of California in order to get a driver’s license you must also provide your birth certificate, or any other form to prove that you are a United States citizen. I also believe that every state should have better security measures to ensure that identifications cannot be forged like the steps that we take to make sure that our money is not counterfeit. Also in my opinion President Obama should put pressure on the Mexican government to give their people a better chance of making a decent living so that they will be less likely to want to cross our borders and take U.S jobs away from U.S citizens. President Obama should also provide more border agents and build a better method (a fence or wall) to secure our borders around all of the United States. It is a matter of National Security and NOT a “racial issue”. I fully support the Governor of Arizona for her decision to take a stand to keep Arizona residents safe. As for the companies who are threatening not to do business in Arizona, it may happen to a certain extent but for now it is all new and in time will subside. If their state is not being affected by illegal drugs being smuggled into or their jobs being taken away from non Americans then they do not see the “big picture”.

Posted by: Desarae | Apr 28, 2010 9:30:06 PM

You outline some serious problems but this anti-constitutional law will not fix them. Do you really believe it's constitutional to make all people who "look" latino be subject to searches in their homes, cars and on the street for no reason other than a cop wants to do it? If you follow your logic all our houses should be searched whenever cops want to do it because they might find something criminal.

Guess what? This law will make residents less safe because police will be constantly looking for suspicious immigrants instead of fighting real crime. If you don't believe me go see what police chiefs think of this crazy law.

Posted by: stevez | Apr 28, 2010 10:36:47 PM

The hispanics keep say: OUR RIGHT OUR RIGHT...If you are illegal, you're rights stopped at the boarder. I don't care who you are, what you are doing, if you are illegally here, you should be sent packing. It's not the police seperating families, it's the illagls - if they weren't breaking the law, as is with anyone breaky the law, you wouldn't be seperated. Where are my rights to keep my job, pay fair taxes (not be over burdened to cover expenses for you & your family), to feel safe in my own country, to read packaging in my own language,not be harrassed because I'm white. Where are my wheelchair bound neighbors rights who was beaten & rapped by an illegal who was wanted by the law & hidden by his family. I have rights - my family has died for them. When they came here, the blended in, worked hard & didn't demand to be given money, food & medical for free. They weren't a drain on this country -they built it. California is prime example of burden to this country caused by illegals. It's outrageous to think we should just let all of Mexico come over at will - I HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE - CLOSE THE BOARDER & PROTECT OUR COUNTRY...

I want to put a sign on my car or in my yard in support of SB1070 but, my husband is affraid of what the local illegals will do. We are suppressed with fear - SPEAK UP AMERICANS - THE HISPANICS TODAY SAID THEY ARE GOING TO FIGHT - WELL, AMERICANS, STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY & LET YOUR VOICES FINALY BE HEARD.

If they don't want racial profiling, go after the business that hire illegals, landlords that rent to them. Stop giving them free medical, food & money. Stop giving them the good life that's at our expense & they'll go back..

You are illegal, you have no rights. Maybe we should treat illegals they way Mexico treats illegals. Wouldn't like that would you?

Posted by: True American (native | May 1, 2010 4:54:21 PM

True American you need to learn how to spell and use grammar correctly in English before you talk about being a "true American." Your ignorance of the law is huge and your "facts" about immigrants are dead wrong. Study after study has shown that immigrants bring more money to our economy than they cost. Don't keep watching Fox News and listening to the entertainer Rush Limbaugh to get your news. Go read the facts. I feel sorry for you feeling so afraid of people who look different than you. It must be a horrible existence.

Posted by: Jack | May 1, 2010 5:37:56 PM

who is the idiot that said that study after study shows that mexicans bring more money to our economy? are you smoking crack,meth or dope?which one?

obviously you got your studies wrong and dont know what the hell you talking about.or is it that your talking out of your ass and dont know the law or the studies...

let me FYI you now: #1-first and foremost it has been proving that every year billions off dollars of the book money get transported back to mexico from the illegal population here in america.#2- it has been proving that mexico 2 biggest industry that keeps they economy moving is the drug trade and illigeal immigrants in the united states...how can you pay taxes and contribute to this economy when most of the social security and documents are either stole from someone else identity or made up?so you need to study instead of trying to school somebody...

Posted by: SEAN | May 4, 2010 1:31:43 AM

ITS NOT ONLY WHITE PEOPLE AND REPUBLICANS THAT SUPPORT SB 1070 SO YOU GOT IT TWISTED ITS AFRICAN AMERICANS TO,WE ARE SO SICK AND TIRED OF YOU PEOPLE.AMERICA IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A GREAT COUNTRY DESPITE ITS INNER PROBLEMS,BUT WE DONT NEED YOUR PEOPLE MAKING IT HARDER AS THEY ALREADY DONE...DONT BE MAD AT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ENFORCING THIS LAW,AND BY THE WAY TO FYI ("YOU THIS IS NOT A NEW LAW IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN THE CONSTITUTION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO SHOW THEIR PAPERS AND PROPER ID IN AMERICA IT JUST HASNT BEEN ENFORCED") SO ALL YOU PEOPLE CALLING IT A NEW LAW OPEN UP THE LAW BOOK OF AMERICA AND YOU'LL SEE IT RIGHT THERE.I GUESS THAT PUT AN END TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRY 61% OF AMERICANS ARE IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING...

DONT GET MAD AT AMERICA GET MAD AT YOUR PEOPLE WHO CAME HERE AND SMUGGLED DRUGS,KILLED,KIDNAPPED,INVADED OUR JOB MARKET,OUR SCHOOLS,OUR HEALTH CARE,OUR PROGRAMS,OUR ECONOMY,AND THE LIST GOES ON.GET MAD AT THEM.AMERICA GAVE THEM ENOUGH TIME TO GET REGISTERED BUT THEY DIDNT BECAUSE NOT PAYING TAXES WAS GOOD LIVING WHILE EVERY AMERICAN HAD TO PAY FOR THEM WITH TAXES...YOU SMOOCHED ON US FOR FAR TO LONG AND TOOK EXTREME ADVANTAGE OF OUR KINDNESS FOR WEAKNESS.SO STOP ALL THE CRYING NOW.THIS IS NOT NAZI ERROR ,THIS NOT HATE OR RACISM.ITS ABOUT WE NEED JOBS,HEALTH CARE,ETC.WE NEED OUR COUNTRY TAKING CARE OF US.WE NEED TO FEEL LIKE AMERICANS.WE ARE FED UP WITH PEOPLE COMING OVER HERE AND DEMANDING BENEFITS WHEN THEY DONT HAVE NO RIGHT BEING HERE...

WHOEVER PROTEST THIS LAW SHOULD BE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH A FELONY FOR OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.TRESPASSING INTO ANOTHER COUNTRY IS A CRIME NO MATTER WHATS YOUR AGENDA.IF I TRESPASSED IN YOUR HOME BECAUSE I WAS HUNGRY AND WANTED A BETTER LIFE YOU WOULDNT BE SO NICE SO EVERYBODY CUT THE BS OUT...AND STOP COMPARING WHAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE DOING TRESSPASSING INTO THIS COUNTRY BREAKING CONSTITUTION LAW TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.THE AFRICAN AMERICANS NEVER SNUCK INTO THIS COUNTRY NOR TRESSPASSED INTO THIS COUNTRY THEY WERE BROUGHT HERE AS SLAVES THAT IS A BIG DIFFERENCE FROM WHAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE DOING.I SPEAK FOR EVERY BLACL PERSON YOU ARE DISRESPECTING US AND ITS A SLAP IN OUR FACE...ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL!!!

Posted by: SEAN | May 4, 2010 1:38:12 AM

I thought I should point out that "SEAN" and "sean" are the same person and that they are in New York City according to their IP. If someone rants in all caps I like to know where they are commenting from. I think the all caps style and content of this person's comments are a good example of what we are up against in terms of myths that are programmed into the public consciousness by hate radio and even Republicans in Congress. I also think it shows how poorly our education system has served us in many places.

Posted by: barb | May 4, 2010 7:59:48 AM

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