PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation Monday that would have allowed the state's law enforcement agencies to arrest non-U.S. citizens who enter Arizona from anywhere but a lawful point of entry at the border.
Senate Bill 1231 would have created border-related crimes under Arizona law that could be enforced by local police officers—a task traditionally left to federal officials to enforce.
The legislation, known as the "Arizona Border Invasion Act," would have classified "illegal entry" as a Class 1 misdemeanor and then as a Class 6 felony for a person previously convicted of the same offense.
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In her veto letter, the governor said SB 1231 presented significant "constitutional concerns" that would have likely resulted in costly litigation.
"This bill does not secure our border, will be harmful for communities and businesses in our state, and burdensome for law enforcement personnel," the veto letter stated.
Republicans in the Arizona Senate quickly condemned the governor's decision, arguing it perpetuates an "open border crisis."
"Arizonans want and deserve safe communities," state Sen. Janae Shamp, R-District 29, said. "Our local, county, and state law enforcement officers are pleading for help, and they support this legislation to protect our citizens."
The bill passed out of the Arizona Senate without support from Democrats.
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