Claiming the federal government has failed in its duty to protect Arizona from what it calls an "invasion" by illegal immigrants, Governor Jan Brewer filed a lawsuit against the federal government.
The suit alleges the government is failing to control that state's border with Mexico, and refuses to enforce immigration laws.
Arizona has had to bear the burden of paying to jail illegal immigrants who commit crimes in Arizona. Although the state has received $10 million, it has reportedly spent an additional $125 million to care for jailed illegal immigrants.
"Because the federal government has failed to protect the citizens of Arizona, I am left with no other choice," Brewer said.
The action is seen as a countersuit to the government's challenge of SB-1070, Arizona's new immigration law the Justice Department wants invalidated. That law would have given police the authority to question a person's immigration status if officers had reasonable suspicion the person was in the country illegally.
The lawsuit does not seek any money, but asks for a court order requiring the federal government to take the extra steps necessary to protect Arizona until the border is controlled.
Brewer also want to see changes in the way states are reimbursed for the costs of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of state crimes. Any changes made would ensure Arizona receives more money to offset the costs required to handle illegal immigrants.
In addition to more fences, Brewer is asking for additional border agents and technology along the Mexican border.
Matthew Chandler, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the lawsuit was a "meritless action" and claimed staffing for the border Patrol is "higher than ever."
"Not only do actions like this ignore all of the statistical evidence, they also belittle the significant progress that our men and women in uniform have made to protect this border and the people who live alongside it," he said, adding, "We welcome any state and local government or law enforcement agency to join with us to address the remaining challenges."
But Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said that while the federal government prevents Arizona from assisting in the enforcement of immigration laws, it bears staggering costs from illegal immigration.
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you like this article, you can follow Joe on Twitter @jnewby1956, visit his Facebook page, or click the Subscribe button to receive email updates when a new article is published.
Comments
Like the sign said do this, but don't do that can't you read the sign. Oh I see they have put a cap on how many words you can type here in the comments as I see the number slowly decreasing as I type....
Hmmm... Always something new. I'm not seeing it, but maybe it's my browser.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!