Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
A federal judge in Phoenix has blocked a key part of Arizona's immigration law set to take effect in just hours.
U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton has ruled police may not inquire about the immigration status of people they detain, even if they suspect them of being in the country illegally.
"Requiring Arizona law enforcement officials and agencies to determine the immigration status of every person who is arrested burdens lawfully-present aliens because their liberty will be restricted while their status is checked," wrote Bolton, in her 36-page ruling.
There are seven lawsuits seeking to block the law, signed by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in April.
In a statement released this evening Brewer said she's "disappointed" by Judge Bolton's ruling.
"This fight is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning, and at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens," Brewer added.
"We have already made some progress in waking up Washington. But the question still remains: will Washington do its job, and put an end to the daily operations of smugglers in our nation, or will the delays and sidesteps continue?," asked Brewer in the statement.
The Justice Department issued a statement shortly after the ruling saying it believed the court ruled "correctly."
"While we understand the frustration of Arizonans with the broken immigration system, a patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement and would ultimately be counterproductive," the statement said. "States can and do play a role in cooperating with the federal government in its enforcement of the immigration laws, but they must do so within our constitutional framework."
"This administration takes its responsibility to secure our borders seriously and has dedicated unprecedented resources to that effort. We will continue to work toward smarter and more effective enforcement of our laws while pressing for a comprehensive approach that provides true security and strengthens accountability and responsibility in our immigration system at the national level," the Justice Department said.
Tonight on 360°, Anderson will talk with Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, who supports Arizona's immigration law. See how the ruling could impact his department.
Solead O'Brien will also give us an up close look at the videotape law enforcement watches to train for the new law. Critics say the law sanctions state-sponsored racism? We'll let you be the judge.
And, we’ll dig deeper on the legal fight with CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin, a former federal prosecutor.
We're also following the controversy linked to the popular black woman's magazine Essence. The new fashion editor is white, and that's not sitting well with some people.
Anderson will talk with Michaela Angela Davis, a former Essence editor. She wrote on Facebook, "It's with a heavy heart I've learned Essence Magazine has engaged a white fashion director. I hate this news and this feeling. It hurts, literally. The fashion industry's historically been so hostile to black people, especially women."
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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Anderson,
It is funny how condemnations pour in when situations like Sherrod take place and how it is unacceptable, but when someone says that we should not hire white women for a "black" magazine, it is put aside. There is a double standard when it comes to race.
SB 1070 is flawed in the specific context of the the constitution which leaves no room for interpretation that Federal law overrides state law. The supreme court has validated that in many previous precedents.
Polls give the answer to the question as it is asked and the question asked is "do you support Arizona law and would other states planning similar laws would you support Them?.
We all know the answer you get = largely in favour which Democrats failed to take advantage of Republican support. Me I would have immediately resusitated the previous Republican McCain bill updated with the apparent consensus from many states but only after asking the real question in a poll of all states asking do you wish federal Illegal immigration legisaltion to include the key issues ala SB1070. and the previous Mccain bill. I believe you would get a resonding yes and then see the Republicans still say NO, or for sure tie up the congress for months pre election.
Media, poll the nation ( sufficient numbers in each state) not just states who already want to do something.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Regarding the Essence magazine controversy, in a time where we are trying to move forward and away from racial divides, this is a very blatant form of racism.
my family and i have been considering moving to arizonia. But wont do it til this law is passed. shame on the goverment for butting in!
Anderson – when is someone going to address the fact that illegal's are being hired by U.S. citizens.. The blame goes to the employers. If we were unable to feed our families we would do the same.
If the federal does not hold reasonable power, we as a country could move into chaos
Hello Anderson, sounds like a good show tonight.
Good evening Anderson and everyone. I'm not surprised about the court decision today. I'm not sure what the answer to this problem is, but I don't think this is it. I don't think it has much support from law enforcement either.