In July of this year, a study conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that unauthorized immigrants accounted for 3.5% of Arizona’s population.
Community organizations and attorneys in Arizona are expressing concerns about the potential for mass deportations in the wake of a new state law and the deportation promises made by President Donald Trump.
According to Jose Patiño, vice president of education and external affairs at Aliento, he has received numerous concerns from mixed status families regarding the possibility of deportation in the coming months.
“People are filled with worry and fear,” Patiño expressed. “They are still grappling with the impact of Prop 314 and then the election of Trump, who made a promise of mass deportation.”
In a recent vote, Arizonans showed their support for Prop. 314, granting local law enforcement the authority to apprehend individuals who do not possess legal status in the country.
According to Patiño, SB1070 has resurfaced old wounds for those who were affected by it.
Patiño shared the experience of someone who endured family separation during the SB1070 years at a young age. They recalled the memories of going to school and returning home without knowing what had happened, only to later discover that one of their parents had been pulled over.
Patiño, a DACA recipient, expressed his worries about Tom Homan, who was recently appointed as the border czar by President Trump. Patiño’s concerns arose after he watched an interview with Homan on 60 Minutes.
“I have been living in Arizona for 29 years,” Patiño expressed. “Everything that I have built is here in Arizona, so it is deeply hurtful when I hear Americans say they don’t want people like me in this state.”
Ybarra Maldonado mentioned that currently, Prop 314 has the potential to be stuck in legal proceedings.
Ybarra Maldonado expressed uncertainty about the implementation of the policy, stating that it would only go into effect after the ruling in the SB4 case in Texas. This ruling could take months, a year, or even longer. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the policy may never be implemented due to ongoing legal challenges in court.
12News contacted Jerry Sheridan, the recently elected Maricopa County Sheriff, regarding concerns about deputies arresting individuals based on suspicions of unlawful entry.
The campaign released a statement, stating:
Sheridan is committed to upholding the laws against fentanyl drug smuggling and dealing under Prop 314. It’s important to note that Maricopa County, being a non-border county, is not subject to the immigration aspect of this initiative.