Arizona’s Illegal Immigration Crack Down is Coming

Under the previous presidential administration, Arizona's law enforcement resources were strained as they battled border issues daily.

Every day, human smugglers and drug traffickers lead sheriffs, police, and highway patrol officers on high-speed chases, endangering the lives of everyone, including bystanders, in the process.

Arizona' Secure the Border Act: Prop 314

Resources and the citizens of Arizona were exhausted. During the last election cycle, Arizona's voters took action by voting for the Secure the Border Act.

READ: How Will Trump's Illegal Immigration Crackdown Affect Arizona?

Arizona Proposition 314, also known as the Secure the Border Act, was passed by Arizona voters last November. While the federal government was restricting resources to fight illegal immigration, Prop 314 will return the responsibility to the state. The measure is set to increase state and local involvement in immigration enforcement in some key ways.

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What is the "Secure the Border" Act in Arizona?

Prop 314 now makes unauthorized entry into Arizona a state crime when a person enters a location other than an official port of entry.

The measure will allow state and local police to arrest noncitizens who cross the border illegally and then hand the case over to a state judge who can impose deportation orders.

READ: Trump: Border Wall Construction Finally Being Resumed in Arizona

The measure also makes the E-Verify system a requirement. Employers and public agencies will be required to use the system to check eligibility before hiring anyone.

If an immigrant provides false information or false documents or applies for public benefits using false information, they will now incur a criminal penalty.

One of the most important provisions is the fentanyl penalties. Anyone caught selling fentanyl will be subject to a class 2 felony if the person buying the drug dies.

What is the Impact on Immigration in Arizona?

Until this act was passed, the federal government was responsible for immigration enforcement. It was becoming increasingly clear they were unwilling to provide the support needed in this escalating battle.

Proposition 314 shifts the role of border protection to state and local authorities. Local law enforcement will now have the authority to arrest and deport individuals who cross the border into Arizona illegally or falsify their immigration status to enroll in public benefits.

READ: Alarming! How bad is the fentanyl crisis in Arizona?

Prop 314: Support and Controversy

Supporters hope the measure will finally help curb fraud and shore up the border, making illegal migrant apprehensions safer and more secure.

No longer will the controversial federal "catch and release" program waste time and resources as human and drug traffickers continue to endanger lives.

There have been reservations about this bill, and some have expressed concerns that this opens the door for civil rights abuses and racial profiling.

Similar laws in other states have been blocked or held up due to legal challenges, which could happen here in Arizona.

With the waves of change happening on a federal level under the new presidential administration, anything is possible.

Sources: National Immigration Forum | Ballotpedia | AZ Central | E-Verify