Some Arizona leaders opposed to proposed immigration law

PHOENIX - Arizona senators and community leaders say they are against a new proposal that would authorize law enforcement to arrest people suspected of breaking United States immigration law, empowering local and state police to stop and detain immigrants from going to work and attending school.

Some lawmakers and community leaders representing police, business and faith groups gathered at the state capitol on May 22, saying the proposal could hurt the economy and drive inflation. They also said they are worried it will hurt businesses that are already struggling to find workers.

Ultimately, lawmakers in the Senate passed the Republican bill 16 to 13.

FOX 10 spoke to San Luis Police Chief Nigel Reynoso who thinks border efforts should be held at a federal level.

"Even though we do work with Border Patrol and a lot of other federal agencies in conjunction with the border efforts, we still believe it is their responsibility, and more needs to be done at the federal level," he said.

Not only was this a heated discussion on the Senate floor, those in the gallery ended up chanting at lawmakers before the vote. Lawmakers and members of the gallery shouted back and forth.

This bill is now moving to the House. If it passes, it will be up to voters in the November election.

Arizona GOP senator Ken Bennett's support is needed because the Republicans only have a one-seat advantage in the Senate. He initially did not support the bill, causing recent changes to it.

Those changes include removing the DACA provision that would have deported Dreamers if the DACA program is canceled. Another amendment was made to spell out what exactly probable cause is.

Opponents argue this is a reinvention of SB 1070, a controversial state law that was partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court after being passed in 2010.

This bill can't become law until Arizona voters weigh in and until SB 4 in Texas clears the court.

Reynoso also said it's important for police to have a good relationship with the community, regardless of their immigration status. He said he's worried people would be nervous if police were required to enforce an immigration law.

Supporters of the proposal say the bill strengthens current law and closes loopholes.