KGUN 9 On Your Side, Tucson News, Weather & SportsElected officials react to ruling on immigration law

Elected officials react to ruling on immigration law

What do city and state lawmakers think about Wednesday's ruling on SB-1070?

Reporter: Tammy Vo

TUCSON/PHOENIX, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV/CNN) - Feelings of celebration and disappointment from city and state leaders after Federal Judge, Susan Bolton, handed down her 36 page ruling on Wednesday.

In that ruling, Bolton issued an order barring enforcement of several key provisions in SB-1070. Among them is a part of the law that caused the most controversy. It would have required local police while enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally.

State Senator Russell Pearce who is behind the immigration law says, this isn't the end of the fight. "If states understand the Supremacy Clause, the Tenth Amendment, we can fix this problem. We've allowed the federal government to get away with things they have no business doing. The federal government's powers are limited and they're enumerated in articles one, two, and three of the United States Constitution. I intend to hold the federal government accountable. We're going to run legislation to make it clear."

Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl responded by saying, "Instead of wasting tax payer resources filing a lawsuit against Arizona and complaining that the law would be burdensome, the Obama Administration should have focused its efforts on working with Congress to provide the necessary resources to support the state in its efforts to act where the federal government has failed to take responsibility."

Attorney General Terry Goddard says, the Governor's decision not to ask for help from his office to defend the lawsuits against Arizona was all about politics, and she lost.

"Frankly it was a very bad decision. When you are fighting this in court you need all the resources you can get", said Goddard. He also said in a statement: 

Rather than providing the leadership Arizona needs to solve the immigration problem, Jan Brewer signed a bill she could not defend in court which has led to boycotts,  jeopardized our tourism industry and polarized our state.

Tucson City Councilman, Steve Kozachik, who was against SB-1070 is pleased with the judge's decision. 

"I tend to agree with her, it's why I voted to not join in the lawsuit. She's probably right. Liberty rights trump state rights", said Kozachik.

He is still worried about the financial burden the City of Tucson could face because of what remains in the immigration law.

"Unfortunately, one of the things she left in there was the ability of people to file suit. That's one of my concerns, it would open up the door for lawsuits against the city."

Southern Arizona's Congressional Representatives also had something to say about the ruling. 

Congressman Grijalva, who asked that economic sanctions be brought forth against Arizona is now stepping back. He says, he hopes today's decision sends a clear message to other states that the immigration law is not in effect.

"I'm glad the process happened. The process worked and the law was unconstitutional. I think it's time to have a real, rational discussion about immigration and border security and I think this gives us that pause to do that."

Congresswoman Giffords said in a statement: 

Judge Bolton's ruling is an affirmation of the fact that the enforcement of our nation's immigration laws is the responsibility of federal government. It is time – in fact, it is way past time – for the federal government to start taking that responsibility seriously.