Arizona border towns have a new immigration mandate to enforce. But it won't be easy

 

An aerial view shows the south side of the city of Douglas next to the double wall on the US-Mexico next to the Mexican city of Agua Prieta, on October 15. 

Olivier Touron/AFP/Getty Images

Authorities in Arizona border towns have a new immigration mandate, and are gearing up to enforce it — but also warn they need more funding for what has traditionally been a federal responsibility.

CNN has projected Proposition 314 will pass with 63% approval as of Thursday. The proposition allows local and state law enforcement in Arizona to arrest migrants and criminalize unauthorized crossings anywhere but an official port of entry. In short, it makes violations of immigration law a state crime — rather than only a federal offense.

It also increases the punishment for selling fentanyl that results in the death of a person.

Emmanuel Botello, a San Luis police lieutenant, told CNN affiliate KTVK/KPHO enforcing the mandate will require more federal funding.“We’re not aiming to particularly send units out there to be targeting or specifically looking for illegals,” Botello said. “We’ll continue to prioritize protecting life, protecting property of our residents, it will continue to be at the top of our priorities.”

Some context: The measure adds another dimension to the long-running debate over border security in a state that shares a 370-mile border with Mexico.

Proponents say the measure would curb illegal immigration and cut down on crime perpetrated by migrants, stepping in where the federal government has failed. Meanwhile, critics argue that the it would result in racial profiling and unlawful policing, be costly for the state and strain law enforcement resources.

The proposal is similar to Texas’ controversial immigration law known as SB 4, which has been blocked from going into effect as a legal challenge plays out in court.