Senate Bill 1231 would have allowed state officials to fine and imprison illegal immigrants entering the state from Mexico.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bill that would have made border crossing a state crime.
Republican state Sen. Janae Shamp sponsored Senate Bill 1231, which “makes it unlawful for a person who is an alien [illegal immigrant] to enter Arizona from a foreign nation at any location other than a lawful port of entry.”
According to her statement on the veto, Ms. Hobbs said the “bill does not secure our border, will be harmful for communities and businesses in our state, and burdensome for law enforcement personnel and the state judicial system.”
“Further, this bill presents significant constitutional concerns and would be certain to mire the State in costly and protracted litigation,” she said.
The veto is Ms. Hobbs’ first of the year. The Senate and the House passed the legislation along a party-line vote.
It would have allowed state officials to fine and imprison illegal immigrants entering the state from Mexico.
“It’s time to take the handcuffs off of our sheriffs who have been elected to protect the citizens of Arizona, which is why I’m introducing the Arizona Border Invasion Act, SB 1231,” said Sen. Shamp during a press conference on the bill.
The bill indemnifies government officials, employees, and contractors from civil liability for damages that could arise from enforcement action related to illegal entry.
“Our state local law enforcement are putting their lives on the line daily to protect our communities and it’s clear they need all of our support,” said Republican state Sen. David Gowan.
The legislation makes illegal entry a class-one misdemeanor unless the person has been convicted of illegal entry previously, in which case it becomes a class-six felony. Illegal entry escalates to a class-three felony if the accused has past convictions related to drugs, assault, or terrorism.
“This bill will also address illegal re-entry by establishing state law against non-U.S. citizens who enter if they have already been denied entry or have been renewed,” said Mr. Shamp.
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