Arizona Border Arrest Proposal on Ballot

PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that a controversial proposal allowing local police to make arrests near the Mexico border will be included on the November 5 ballot. This decision marks a significant move to involve local authorities in immigration enforcement, reminiscent of the state’s 2010 law that mandated police to question individuals about their immigration status. The court dismissed challenges from Latino advocacy groups, affirming that the measure adheres to the state constitution's single-subject rule. If passed, Proposition 314 would criminalize unauthorized border crossings outside designated ports of entry, empower state and local law enforcement to arrest violators, and enable judges to order deportations. Additionally, it would impose severe penalties for selling fentanyl that results in death and mandate certain government agencies to verify noncitizens' eligibility for public benefits through a federal database. Critics argue that the proposal conflates immigration enforcement with unrelated issues like the fentanyl crisis and public benefits regulation. Proponents assert that the measure is necessary due to perceived federal inaction on illegal crossings, citing concerns over identity theft and misuse of public resources by unauthorized immigrants. The Republican-controlled Legislature initiated the ballot measure after Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a similar proposal earlier this year, highlighting the ongoing partisan divide over immigration policy in Arizona. In a related development, the Arizona Secretary of State's Office confirmed that supporters of a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution have also gathered sufficient signatures to place their measure on the November ballot.