New Arizona immigration law concerns some local police
This weekend, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into a law a controversial bill that gives local police the power to check documentation of anyone they suspect to be an illegal immigrant. It has sparked a fierce political debate and enraged many in the Hispanic community. But it has also raised concerns over how local police officers will go about enforcing the law and whether it will lead to racial profiling. Others worry it will burden officers who are already busy addressing other crimes in the state.
We speak with Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, a local reporter with public radio station KJZZ in Phoenix, Ariz. She has been getting reaction from local police. We also talk with Art Acevedo, the police chief for the Austin Police Department, in Texas. Acevedo says the law will hinder the ability of local law enforcement to most effectively do their jobs.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.