During the week leading up to the June 5 rally, websites from Orange County to Maine were conjecturing about sending local representatives as supporters and how to organize in time. At stake was participation in an Arizona rally near the State Capitol in Phoenix, to show support for Gov. Jan Brewer and her embattled efforts to enforce control of the illegal immigration problem currently swamping them. On Saturday, those thousands attending despite the 105-degree heat were not disappointed.

Said Daniel Smeriglio one of the organizers, “It’s a grassroots effort that really took off.” No-nonsense sheriff of Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio, told the crowd, “We’ll put up tents from here to Mexico” — a reference to his famous Tent City, a section of the county jail where surplus military tents are used to house inmates. Sheriff Arpaio praised Arizona lawmakers for their efforts against illegal immigration and reiterated he will lock up as many such immigrants as his deputies can arrest.

The chant, “Joe, Joe, Joe” was heard from the crowd, and one man yelled, “We’ve got your back, Joe!”

Many rally participants in downtown Phoenix waved American flags, and some came with signs, one of which read, “What part of illegal don’t they understand?” At the Capitol, a procession of hundreds of motorcycle riders circled to start the event.

The author of the now-famous Senate Bill 1070, GOP State Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa, also spoke. He was joined by former Republican congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado, a longtime leader in the fight against illegal immigration.

There have been a few rallies, both pro and con, since late April when Senate Bill 1070 passed. The law is set to go into effect on July 29.   

Accused of being based on racial profiling that would target Hispanics especially, the law requires that should police have to stop people regarding traffic and motor vehicle issues, or other possible legal violations, officers can at that time also ask those detained about their immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion” that they are not legal citizens. This law is only serves to enforce a federal law already on the books, which the federal government has generally neglected to enforce. Sen. Bill 1070 would also make it a state crime to be in the country illegally or to impede traffic while hiring day laborers, regardless of the worker's immigration status. It also becomes a crime for illegal immigrants to solicit work.

Of the many illegal aliens pouring over the borders of the southwestern states, many are not Mexican; some — from a host of other nations — have possible terrorist ties. With a change of clothes and keeping a low profile, such illegals are blending into the crowd and into our country.

Americans in the southwest are concerned by the resulting local rising crime rate and threats against themselves and their personal property. Rob Krentz and his dog were found shot in late March as he was out checking fence on his ranch. A 58-year-old Cochise County, Arizona, cattle farmer whose family has run the Krentz Ranch for 100 years, he was gunned down in what was thought to be a drug smuggling event. He had been fighting the border problem for years, yet was known to give food and water to hungry and thirsty illegals. There are no resulting arrests as yet; tracks from the scene went back into Mexico. It was stated by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' office at the time that she might ask President Obama to place military units in the besieged area.  The Tuscon Weekly commented on her efforts as opposed to those of former Rep. Jim Kolbe and Sen. John McCain, saying:

…the practical impact of Giffords’ actions might be small, but at least she is paying attention. [A] source said, “Kolbe laughed at us when we complained, and McCain worries about getting his patent leather shoes dirty when he’s down here.”

Even health issues resulting from this immigration are alarming with, for example, tuberculosis, which had almost been eradicated in the U.S., undergoing an upswing here due to its being brought into the country through the illegal population. Not infrequently, those infected come to the emergency rooms of U.S. hospitals for free treatment of their drug-resistant tubercular type.  

The hubris of Mexicans in particular, upset that Americans want to protect their borders, is all but palpable considering that Mexico has some of the strongest alien laws and requirements in the world to control outsiders entering there. And the voice of legal Hispanic Americans who actually support the Arizona immigration law is, of course, not given a hearing. But in the words of one blogger to the Los Angeles Times on the spirit of the fight against illegals in general, and its Arizona battle in particular, “For every person who boycotts Arizona, there will be at least 3 who will vacation there in support of Arizona.”

A state police board has been ordered by Governor Jan Brewer to prepare training standards to prevent racial profiling in enforcing the law.

Photo: AP Images

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Malary said:

Arizona Go!!! They can say whatever they want but I respect Jan Brewer because she's got the balls to get a handle on illegal immigration. This problem has gotten out of control! Want to share your thoughts - speak up at http://immigration.civiltalks.com/

June 07, 2010 | url

Russ said:

The Right to Do Right Hey, if the illegals have the right to do wrong (the basic human right to ignore our laws), then the state of Arizona has the right to do the right thing and protect its borders. Brewer is a hero. Arpaio is a hero. Every American who stands up and supports the state of Arizona's actions is a hero. As soon as there is another terrorist attack in the united states, the first place to look for where the attackers entered the country should be our southern border. IF it is determined that this is the route the attackers took to enter the country: EVERY SINGLE person who fought agianst the Arizona law should be considered co-conspirators and share culpability for the attack!

June 07, 2010

John Pelzek said:

... when is president Obama going to get the balls to start Deporting all of the 30 Million illegals that are here now ?????? this is a cancer in our country, and it's getting worse. these illegals are taking jobs away from Americans who need work. WAKE UP AMERICA BEFORE ITS TO LATE. also when you go to vote, don't forget to vote out all of the IDIOT DEMOCRATS who stood up and clapped for the IDIOT president of Mexico. can you believe it. a Mexican president telling us what to do about our Arizona's laws. he should have been tared and feathered, and sent back to Mexico.and president Obama sits on his ass, and does nothing to enforce the laws we have on illegal entry. he should be supporting the State of Arizona. the last time i looked Arizona still belongs to the UNITED STATES oh, pardon me, he did send a mere token 1,200 troops. WOW, wasn't that nice of him. that should really put a dent in the mass immigration of illegals into the U.S. Obama should also be sent down the road. and i'm one of the stupid asses that voted for him. SORRY for my mistake, it will never happen again. I will now vote REPUBLICAN for what EVER years i have left to live. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sincerely, John Pelzek American Citizen

June 07, 2010

American citizens A BIG JOKE, Lowly rated comment [Show]

..., Lowly rated comment [Show]

H said:

Keep your shirt on, Mick As the article mentioned, what is it about Illegal that you don't understand? You liberals make a poor showing the more lack of sense that you demonstrate - which is almost every time you open your mouths. You are not taking this country down without a fight.

June 07, 2010

Larry said:

Reply to Mick's Comment "Not all immigrants are bad for american economy, send all the potential CRIMINAL immigrants." - Mick Well Mick, then we should send all illegal aliens back from where they came because they are all CRIMINALS for violating our immigration laws.

June 07, 2010

tlludwig said:

tlludwig The "we are all immigrant's" argument is weak. Yes we are all immigrants however; its an issue of whether you are a legal immigrant or an illegal immigrant. If you an illegal then you broke our laws in order to be here. Thats a crime. Personally, I think all immigration needs to be reduced (legal and illegal) only because right now the economic situation in the US is terrible. We need to take care of our own before we decide to help others.

June 07, 2010

Joey said:

Send Them All Back!!!!! The illegals are breaking the Law plan and simple this is a nation of LAW’S send them back to where ever the (BLANK!!! ) they came from am a Hispanic and followed the proper channels to be here Legally why can they do it I did not get a free ride???? Let them go thru the same processssssss again DO NOT give them a free ride they are thousand who are following the proper channels like I have done to come here legally!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

June 07, 2010

Mark Stevens said:

... There are now "22" states that are joining Arizona's immigration policies or have candidates running on Joining. What now for all those that choose to boycott???

June 07, 2010

H said:

Many Americans killed by DUI illegals By the way - in states all over, there is incident after incident of illegals getting drunk then getting behind the wheel, and then taking out a U.S. citizen (or citiens). Sure, real citizens do it too God help them - but it is insufferable when someone who shouldn't even be here gets even more careless and selfish and drunkenly drives a car into a genuine American. May all of those victims rest in peace.

June 07, 2010

Mark Stevens said:

... Some quote I will share to show that there is a true anti American movement. Richard Alatorre, Los Angeles City Council. "They're afraid we're going to take over the governmental institutions and other institutions. They're right. We will take them over . . . We are here to stay." Excelsior, the national newspaper of Mexico, "The American Southwest seems to be slowly returning to the jurisdiction of Mexico without firing a single shot." Mario Obledo, California Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and California State secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under Governor Jerry Brown, also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, "California is going to be a Hispanic state. Anyone who doesn't like it should leave." Art Torres, Chairman of the California Democratic Party, "Remember 187--proposition to deny taxpayer funds for services to non-citizens--was the last gasp of white America in California." Watching the sea of Mexican flags fill the plaza this past October and listening to the staccato burst of Spanish slogans shouted out by flushed, excited faces, a casual observer might have thought he was in one of those revolutionary provinces near Chiapas commanded by modern Zapatistas. Indeed, many of the slogans were anti-Yankee, and every now and then the sea of Mexican flags would part to reveal someone setting a U.S. flag on fire. Yet the scene was taking place not in Mexico but in downtown Los Angeles. The issue was Proposition 187, and a nation-within-the-nation was not just protesting, but declaring its independence. "I think this is just the opening salvo," California State University Chicano Studies Professor Randolfo Acuna said of the protests. "It is our Fort Sumter." Are these just the words of a few extremists? Consider that we could fill up many pages with such quotes. Also, consider that these are mainstream Mexican leaders. Mark Stevens

June 07, 2010

arizona joe said:

donky Im a gonna ride this illegal mexican donky all the way to the border.

June 07, 2010

Margot C said:

Mexico has some of the strongest alien laws & requirements in the world The hubris of Mexicans in particular, upset that Americans want to protect their borders, is all but palpable considering that Mexico has some of the strongest alien laws and requirements in the world to control outsiders entering there.

June 07, 2010

Jennifer said:

... I came across a good debating resource that allows you to post comments and cast votes either for or against the New Immigration Law of Arizona without prior registration. I really recommend it: http://www.civiltalks.com

June 08, 2010 | url

Evelyn said:

SB 1070 Our government is failing it’s legal citizens, for what ever reason! We have tried amnesty 7 times, and achieved nothing. The U.S. government is in bed with Corporate America. share your opinion at http://immigration.civiltalks.com

June 08, 2010 | url

NativeAZWite said:

... To all sb1070 supports, what kinda law that is out to get rid of people without considering their circumstances? I personally have friends who came here along with their family "illegal since they were babies. You want to get rid of them too? As far as I concern, they're more American that the rest of you when it comes to dignity, liberty and humanity. AZ can't afford to have this stupid law. didn't you have 10% rate unemployment and underwater housing issue to worry about?

June 08, 2010

H said:

Hey Native Why didn't they first consider the circumstances that they are coming here illegally? Duh. Liberalism is a mental disorder.

June 08, 2010

NativeAZWite said:

... "Why didn't they first consider the circumstances that they are coming here illegally? Duh." - H hmm your ancestors aka pilgrims should consider that so called "illegally" when crossing the ocean to this New World. Conservatism is nothing but an unrealistic two dimensional loser

June 08, 2010

Benito said:

Now is thw Time! I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this and other related incidents. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened. All of us ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated, but this is not the case. I know the proponents of this law say that the majority approves of this law, but the majority is not always right. Would women or non-whites have the vote if we listen to the majority of the day, would the non-whites have equal rights (and equal access to churches, housing, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, schools, colleges and yes water fountains) if we listen to the majority of the day? We all know the answer, a resounding, NO! Today we are committed to a worldwide struggle to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free. In a time of domestic crisis men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics and do what is right, not what is just popular with the majority. Some men comprehend discrimination by never have experiencing it in their lives, but the majority will only understand after it happens to them.

June 10, 2010

H said:

... If you do not have borders, restrictions and qualifications required for immigration, and a limit to the number of permanent, legal immigrants allowed yearly - then you are looking for a disaster and an annihilation of the country in question. Why aren't you and those of your opinion, complaining about every other country in the world with strict and enforced immigration policies - like, say, MEXICO??? These countries want to keep control and sanity, and their national identity. If patriotic, conservative Americans were to throw in the towel and believe this emotional, tear jerking rhetoric (we were all once immigrants, etc.), then the enemies of the U.S. who are wanting this submersion/subversion to happen would be laughing up their sleeves that we "fell" for it - we gave in to what they were selling. All they want is to bring down the United States in whatever manner works. At the moment, illegal immigration is a weapon they still play with. It seems pointless to continue trying to explain any of this to people like yourself. Admitting immigrants who are escaping direct and real Communist persecution is one thing - allowing for wild, irresponsible anarchy is another. In the past we had set limited numbers even for legal immigration - which Bill Clinton "upped" to higher numbers. Let us bring it back down again, AND ENFORCE IT.

June 10, 2010 | url