Let Them Eat Tacos: Working Together on Immigration Enforcement – by Mark Dodd

Let Them Eat Tacos

It seems at least once a month I read or hear of another states effort to enforce existing United States immigration policy by enacting a new state law or participating in an existing Federal program. With each Governor’s signature there is a pronouncement that their state now has legislation to help control the problems caused by the lack of effective border enforcement by the federal government. The Federal government soon counters in the courts with a challenge to the constitutionality of the state’s new law. The Federal government views action by the States as an overstepping of the authority of the Federal government to enforce immigration. On the other hand, the States are perplexed as to why the Federal government is not taking a more active effort at immigration enforcement and border protection. In the mean time there is confusion and uncertainty for local and state law enforcement officials as to what actions they should take. This ambiguity even extends to business leaders, citizens and even to the immigrants themselves. 

The problems occurring in Arizona are an extreme example of immigration and border enforcement gone wrong. According to the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, Phoenix is now the kidnapping capital of the United States with over 370 cases reported each year. It is estimated that twice that many go unreported. The financial cost to Arizona from illegal immigration is staggering. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the total cost to Arizona was approximately $2.7 billion in 2009. In the wake of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) botched “Fast and Furious” operation, guns were allowed pass to criminals along the U.S. Mexican border. Arizona law enforcement officials are dismayed at how the ATF could provide weapons to some of the most violent criminals in North America. 

In April of 2010 Arizona Governor Jan Brewer singed SB 1070 into law. Its stated purpose was to help stem the rising level of violence along the border Arizona shares with Mexico. In short the law would allow law enforcement officials in Arizona to establish whether a person is in the United States illegally as long as they have probable cause that there is a potential violation. At virtually the same moment that Governor Brewer was signing SB 1070, President Obama was calling the bill “irresponsible” and “misguided” even though he cited the “failure to act responsibly at the federal level”. Within days, Governor Brewer was notified that the law would be challenged in federal court on constitutional grounds. The disagreement between Arizona and the federal government came to a head last week in a heated finger pointing exchange between President Obama and Governor Brewer on the tarmac at Phoenix Airport. According to news reports, the President took issue with the Governors’ written portrayal of an earlier meeting in the Oval Office over Border Security. The exchange ended when the President abruptly turned and walked away from the Governor. 

Aside from political theater, the spectacle on the tarmac further demonstrates the growing conflict between local, state and federal officials over border enforcement and immigration policy. The time is right for action. The President has a unique opportunity to take the lead and forge a solution that accomplishes border security and provides a sound and enforceable immigration policy that will include both local and state law enforcement officials. Perhaps the President should take up Governor Brewer’s invitation to meet again. He could call for a “Taco Summit”. Conceivably over a tasty spread of Mexican cuisine, the President, Governor, law enforcement and community leaders can begin to find a common solution. 

In my view, the ideal solution should provide for security along our borders and on our streets. It should also be fair and acknowledge the economic and cultural opportunities that a reasonable immigration strategy can provide. Finally, it should recognize the contribution that local and state agencies can offer to the consistent enforcement of Federal immigration policies. 

So break out the chips and salsa, let’s embark on the first course of a lasting solution.