Republicans bypass governor to let voters decide on immigration enforcement.
Arizona is making headlines with a push to implement tougher immigration laws, circumventing Governor Katie Hobbs and putting the decision directly in the hands of the voters. The state Senate recently approved the “Secure Border Act,” also known as HCR 2060, moving one step closer to presenting the question to voters in November.
The bill, inspired by Texas’ controversial SB 4, aims to make illegal border crossing a crime and grant local law enforcement the authority to uphold immigration laws. Senate Republican leader, Petersen, described the bill as a comprehensive border security measure that addresses key issues such as border security, combating the fentanyl crisis, and ensuring government benefits are received by legal residents.
Petersen stressed that the proposed bill is distinct from the contentious 2010 SB 1070, which faced partial dismantling by the Supreme Court in 2012. Unlike SB 1070, HCR 2060 focuses specifically on border security rather than allowing law enforcement to be questioned about immigration status statewide.
By taking the decision to the voters, Arizona Republicans aim to bypass Governor Hobbs, who previously vetoed a similar bill in March. Hobbs expressed concerns about the legislation’s impact on businesses, communities, and law enforcement, asserting that it does not offer a viable solution to border security.
Despite Hobbs’ reservations, Petersen believes that putting the bill to a public vote is the most effective approach. He criticized the governor for vetoing ten previous border security bills without presenting alternative strategies. Petersen remains confident in the bill’s potential for success, citing constituents’ overwhelming concerns about the border crisis.
Democratic Governor Hobbs, who vetoed the bill, argued that it was anti-immigrant and likely unconstitutional. However, Republicans contend that the legislation would help tackle crimes associated with illegal immigration within the state.
The next step for the bill is the full Senate vote, scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday. Subsequently, it will proceed to the state House of Representatives with support from Republican House Speaker Ben Toma.
Arizona’s immigration policy debate reflects broader national concerns about border security and enforcement. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as Arizona navigates the intersection of state legislation, federal mandates, and public opinion.
