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PHOENIX (AP) _ Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says the Supreme Court decision upholding the state's immigration law is a vindication for a state that bears the brunt of the nation's border woes.
Brewer cast the ruling that upheld the most contentious part of the law marks a victory for the state, even though three other parts of the law were thrown out.
Critics disputed Brewer's claim of victory and noted that the ruling creates opportunities to challenge the law on other grounds, such as racial profiling.
Brewer sidestepped questions that called into question the strength of her victory.
``It's certainly not the end of our journey,'' Brewer said.
FURTHER REACTION:
Senators Kyl and McCain --
“While we still want to fully review the Supreme Court’s decision, today’s ruling appears to validate a key component of Arizona’s immigration law, SB 1070. The Arizona law was born out of the state’s frustration with the burdens that illegal immigration and continued drug smuggling impose on its schools, hospitals, criminal justice system and fragile desert environment, and an administration that chooses to set enforcement policies based on a political agenda, not the laws as written by Congress. We will continue our efforts on behalf of the citizens of Arizona to secure our southern border. We believe Arizonans are better served when state and federal officials work as partners to protect our citizens rather than as litigants in a courtroom.”
Rep. Paul Gosar --
"Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Arizona’s right to protect its citizens. In Congress, I have been a strong voice for holding this administration accountable for its failure to enforce existing laws. Arizona was forced to take up the fight to secure its borders because the federal government has repeatedly let down our state and its citizens. Our families and communities have suffered greatly because of the blind eye this administration has turned towards this dire situation. The consequences of our unsecure border and lax immigration enforcement include border violence, drug and gun smuggling and increased crime throughout our state. This is why I have always supported the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act (S.B. 1070),” Gosar said.
“The Obama Administration was wrong in its decision to sue our state and even more wrong to not enforce existing laws. Arizona has always been a leader in the fight for state’s rights, and I am confident Arizona will continue this fight moving forward.”
Governor Brewer --
“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.’”
Rep. Ed Pastor --
“In recognizing that federal immigration laws preempt SB 1070, the Supreme Court rightly found three of four harmful provisions unconstitutional, but I’m greatly disappointed that it erroneously upheld the discriminatory ‘show me your papers’ provision,” Pastor said. “I’m fearful this troublesome provision will lead to discrimination and racial profiling in Arizona and throughout the country, and I remain supportive of related civil rights suits currently challenging SB 1070 as discriminatory, which was not considered in this most recent Supreme Court case. Further, I ask the U.S. Department of Justice to be aware of efforts to restrict the civil rights of citizens and immigrants alike and increase civil rights enforcement.”
Arizona’s SB 1070, Section 2(B), the "show me your papers" provision, requires local law enforcement to check the immigration status during any lawful stop, detention or arrest anytime law enforcement officials have “reasonable suspicion” that the individual is unlawfully present.
“Upholding Section 2(B) will result in the harassment of those here legally, including tourists, legal immigrants and even U.S. citizens and place significant burdens on federal agencies by diverting resources away from dangerous criminals and other high-priority individuals,” Pastor also warned.
Arizona House Speaker Kirk Adams --
"The Supreme Court’s decision is a mixed one. Immigration will continue to be a primary responsibility of the federal government but, as this decision confirms, state and local law enforcement have an important role to play. I am hopeful that Congress and the president will work to secure our border and create a functioning legal system that reflects our values of free enterprise and opportunity for all."
Homeland Security Secretary and Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano --
“I am pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that state laws cannot dictate the federal government’s immigration enforcement policies or priorities. DHS remains focused on enhancing public safety and the integrity of our border by prioritizing enforcement resources on those who are in the country unlawfully and committing crimes, those who have repeatedly violated our immigration laws, and those who recently crossed our borders illegally. The Court’s decision not to strike down Section Two at this time will make DHS’ work more challenging. Accordingly, DHS will implement operational enhancements to its programs in Arizona to ensure that the agency can remain focused on its priorities. Over the past three and half years, this Administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to secure the border and to enforcing our nation’s immigration laws in a firm and reasonable fashion. We continue to urge Congress to pass comprehensive reform because nothing short of a comprehensive solution will resolve the current patchwork of immigration laws. Finally, it is important to note that today’s Supreme Court decision will not impact the memorandum I issued on June 15th related to prosecutorial discretion eligibility for productive members of society who were brought to the United States as children.”
Rep. Jeff Flake --
"The Supreme Court's decision today regarding SB 1070 is a mixed bag at best,” said Flake. “But one thing is certain: with its efforts suing Arizona, the Obama Administration has focused time and resources that could have been better spent securing the border."
