Police Chiefs Speak Out Against Arizona Immigration Law, SB1070

America's Voice Blog

Posted 05/03/10 at 03:01pm

Arizona has taken center stage in the debate about how to fix our badly broken immigration system. What people may not realize is that police associations and top cops around the country and across the state oppose the new law. In fact, the first lawsuit against SB1070 was filed last week by a 15-year veteran of the Tucson police force. Here’s a roundup of why police oppose the law and how it will affect their efforts to keep all Americans safe.

Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police

“The provisions of the bill remain problematic and will negatively affect the ability of law enforcement agencies across the state to fulfill their many responsibilities in a timely manner. While AACOP recognizes immigration as a significant issue in Arizona, we remain strong in our belief that it is an issue most appropriately addressed at the federal level.”
(“AACOP Statement on Senate Bill 1070”, April 21, 2010)

Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, Pima County, AZ
“[I have] no intention of complying. I think the law is one of the worst pieces of legislation I’ve seen in 50 years. [It’s] racist, disgusting and unnecessary…[There will be racial profiling.] If I tell my people to go out and look for A, B, and C, they're going to do it. They'll find some flimsy excuse like a tail light that's not working as a basis for a stop, which is a bunch of baloney. “
("The Dupnik rebellion: Pima’s top cop says ‘no’ to SB 1070," KGUN-TV, April 27, 2010)

Chief Robert Davis, San Jose, CA, president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association
"[Regarding the Arizona legislation, the Major Cities Chiefs Association stands by its policy that] immigration enforcement by local police would likely negatively effect and undermine the level of trust and cooperation between local police and immigrant communities."
(“Arizona immigration law creates rift," USA Today, April 25, 2010)

Chief George Gascon, San Francisco, CA
"It would have a negative impact on community policing and public safety. Neighbors [in Hispanic neighborhoods] would be more hesitant to report crimes if they think their neighbors and family are here without authority."
("Dolan bucks immigration checks,” Raleigh News & Observer, April 22, 2010)

"Just because it is in Arizona doesn’t mean it’s likely to remain there."
("Arizona’s Effort to Bolster Local Immigration Authority Divides Law Enforcement," New York Times, April 22, 2010)

Chief Richard Myers, Colorado Springs, CO
"It’s a very troubling bill. It’s wrong to racially profile. We try to profile human behavior. I will not accept that this is the responsibility of local police departments."
("Gascon, other chiefs blast immigration bill," East Valley Tribune, April 21, 2010)

"Right now, Arizona is ground zero with the extreme challenges of immigration and the absence of federal resources necessary to do the job, but my state is connected to Arizona," Myers said. "If this happens in Arizona, it won't be long for it to become a hot button issue here."
("Arizona immigration bill: Police chiefs criticize measure," Arizona Republic, April 22, 2010)

Sergeant Brian Soller, Mesa, AZ; President, Mesa Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police
"What’s going to happen is you’re going to fear the police…[immigrants are] going to shy away from us instead of coming forward with information."
("Unfunded mandate?", KPNX-TV, April 18, 2010)

Retired Chief Arturo Venegas, Sacramento, CA; Project Director, Law Enforcement Engagement Initiative
"[The law] essentially legislates racial profiling, putting police in the middle of the train tracks to face an onslaught of civil-rights violations lawsuits. No other law in the country allows citizens to sue a government agency for not arresting enough people."
("Gascon says immigration bill ‘catastrophic," San Francisco Chronicle, April 22, 2010)

Sheriff Bill Pribil, Coconino County, AZ
"At this point, I see it interesting on the one hand counties are being eviscerated by the state Legislature when it comes to budget ... and yet they continue to find ways for us to spend our precious resources on programs we can't support."
(“Proposed new Arizona immigration bills draw concern," Arizona Daily Sun, March 16, 2010)

Chief Frank Milstead, Mesa, AZ
"[The law will require] people to prove their innocence [before being charged with a crime]."
("Mesa police unsure of new immigration bill’s impact," Arizona Republic, April 14, 2010)

Assistant Chief Mike Denney, Mesa, AZ
"What does it do to our already limited resources? Officers are going to have to spend a lot of time determining whether someone is or is not in the country illegally."
("Mesa police unsure of new immigration bill’s impact," Arizona Republic, April 14, 2010)

Sergeant Brian Soller, Mesa, AZ; President, Mesa Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police
"If we’re getting hammered with calls, is a misdemeanor [trespassing by an illegal immigrant] more important than a stabbing or shooting? No. The problem with this law is that it’s an unfunded mandate and could eat up a lot of manpower and cost a lot of money."
("Police unions: Immigration bill taxes officers," East Valley Tribune, April 18, 2010)