Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says the U.S. Supreme Court's
decision to uphold part of the state's illegal immigration law
is a victory for all Americans.
Despite the court striking down key provisions of the statute
Monday, Brewer says the heart of the law can now be enacted.
The court ruled that one part of the law requiring police to
check the status of someone they suspect is not in the U.S.
legally could go forward. However, the court ruled against
provisions, including arresting people on minor immigration
charges.
Brewer says law enforcement that use the law to violate a
person's civil rights will be held accountable.
Critics of the law say it allows police officers to racially
profile people.
Her full statement:
“Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a victory for the
rule of law. It is also a victory for the 10th Amendment and all
Americans who believe in the inherent right and responsibility
of states to defend their citizens. After more than two years of
legal challenges, the heart of SB 1070 can now be implemented in
accordance with the U.S. Constitution.
“While we are grateful for this legal victory, today is an
opportunity to reflect on our journey and focus upon the true
task ahead: the implementation and enforcement of this law in an
even-handed manner that lives up to our highest ideals as
American citizens. I know the State of Arizona and its law
enforcement officers are up to the task. The case for SB 1070
has always been about our support for the rule of law. That
means every law, including those against both illegal
immigration and racial profiling. Law enforcement will be held
accountable should this statute be misused in a fashion that
violates an individual’s civil rights.
“The last two years have been spent in preparation for this
ruling. Upon signing SB 1070 in 2010, I issued an Executive
Order directing the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training
Board (AZ POST) to develop and provide training to ensure our
officers are prepared to enforce this law efficiently,
effectively and in a manner consistent with the Constitution. In
recent days, in anticipation of this decision, I issued a new
Executive Order asking that this training be made available once
again to all of Arizona’s law enforcement officers. I am
confident our officers are prepared to carry out this law
responsibly and lawfully. Nothing less is acceptable.
“Of course, today’s ruling does not mark the end of our journey.
It can be expected that legal challenges to SB 1070 and the
State of Arizona will continue. Our critics are already
preparing new litigation tactics in response to their loss at
the Supreme Court, and undoubtedly will allege inequities in the
implementation of the law. As I said two years ago on the day I
signed SB 1070 into law, ‘We cannot give them that chance. We
must use this new tool wisely, and fight for our safety with the
honor Arizona deserves.’”
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