SB1070′s proponents can celebrate advancing the ball on the idea that local police should be doing the business of federal immigration agents. They can celebrate they are continuing to spur public debate that begins to shape the new normal. And, with each court battle, they are able to hone in on the precise legal language that will get a court’s nod of approval.
But from another angle, it looks like SB1070 is on life support. Many of its provisions have been stricken down. It’s left legal fees and a black eye on the state’s image. Can its proponents point to tangible productive outcomes?
But what’s still going, and has been since before 1070 are the federal deportation programs of ICE Access. There’s a reason why every time Sheriff Arpaio is asked to comment on 1070 he barely flinches. He’s got those tools in his box already, and he plans on continuing to use them.
With programs like 287(g)…but wait, didn’t DHS cancel Arizona’s contract? There’s where the confusion comes. Its a shell game, where DHS would seemingly like us all to think they are taking measures to protect civil rights of the residents of Arizona. But here’s a question – if there are such concerns about the implementation of these programs and laws in Arizona – why not suspend Secure Communities as well?
That’s where it feels fuzzy, like I been here before. Probably was wearing chanclas that day, too. A mixed court decision. Advocates declaring victory. DHS appearing to react, but when you look closer..not so much. And in the end, the people who everyday watch their back, take that extra extra extra look in their rear view mirror, its just another day.