In the midst of former President Donald Trump's campaign in Arizona, where he harshly criticized immigration, voters in the state are considering an amendment that could lead to the implementation of one of the strictest anti-immigration laws in the country. Proposition 314 seeks to criminalize irregular border crossing and give state and local police permission to detain undocumented immigrants and enforce federal immigration laws.
Defenders of immigrants and chambers of commerce in Arizona have expressed their opposition to this measure, arguing that it will only increase fear and harassment towards the Latino community, comparing it to the controversial SB1070, known as "show me your papers." This regulation allowed local police to question the immigration status of detained individuals, even for minor traffic violations. Although part of SB1070 remains in effect, police must contact immigration services to handle the case.
Proposition 314 goes further by authorizing police to act as immigration agents, having the authority to interrogate, detain, and jail migrants who have crossed the border illegally. Several police chiefs have criticized this measure, as they would not be allocated additional funds for its implementation. However, the initiative has supporters, such as rancher John Ladd, who believes it would be a great help in an Arizona area prone to drug trafficking and migrant crossings.
Border crossings have decreased this year due to restrictions imposed by the Biden Administration in June, resulting in a 55% reduction in detentions at the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, more than 700,000 migrants have been repatriated in fiscal year 2024, the highest number since 2010. Proposition 314 is presented as a measure to address the migration crisis and fentanyl trafficking, with severe penalties for those presenting false documentation when applying for public benefits and for those trafficking this substance. The legislation bears similarities to a law already in effect in Texas.