Immigration bill vetoed

Two days after a sizeable contingent at the Arizona Democratic Party Convention demanded Gov. Janet Napolitano veto HB 2807, the Governor did just that, immediately provoking a strong condemnation from Republicans in the legislature.

In a letter sent to Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix), Napolitano said the bill, which would in her words have "mandated" that local authorities act in concert with federal immigration agencies to apprehend illegal immigrants was not needed, due to the fact that some sheriffs and police departments have already entered into such agreements with the feds.

"A legislative mandate to that effect is unnecessary," she said in the letter.

She also cited cost as a consideration.

Stating that only trained law enforcement officers would be able to help federal authorities enforce immigration law, Napolitano stated the "real impediment" to such a program is that "Demand for training has... significantly outstripped federal resources."

"Because House Bill 2807 requires the Arizona general fund pay the training costs for all local law enforcement (not just for the Department of Public Safety) if federal funding is not available, Arizona tax payers would be required to pay an approximately $100 million bill at a time when we are facing significant budget shortfalls."

Rep. John Nelson (R-Litchfield Park), who introduced the bill, said it was an example of Napolitano's "hypocrisy."

“Police officers wanted this, they want to protect their community, and she sold them out.  It’s absolutely disgraceful,” said Nelson.

In a press release, spokesman for the House Republicans, Barrett Marson, said "Gov. Napolitano buckled under pressure from the pro-illegal lobby and vetoed a bill that would allow all police officers to enforce federal immigration law.  Napolitano’s veto snubs a unanimous House vote, a two-thirds vote in the Senate, and the will of a supermajority of Arizonans."