New Arizona immigration law concerns some local police

The World

This weekend, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into a law a controversial bill that gives local police the power to check documentation of anyone they suspect to be an illegal immigrant. It has sparked a fierce political debate and enraged many in the Hispanic community. But it has also raised concerns over how local police officers will go about enforcing the law and whether it will lead to racial profiling. Others worry it will burden officers who are already busy addressing other crimes in the state.

We speak with Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, a local reporter with public radio station KJZZ in Phoenix, Ariz. She has been getting reaction from local police. We also talk with Art Acevedo, the police chief for the Austin Police Department, in Texas. Acevedo says the law will hinder the ability of local law enforcement to most effectively do their jobs.

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