States Emergency Declarations Fan Immigration Debate

Following recent declarations of emergency in the border areas of New Mexico and Arizona by Democratic governors of the two states, the Department of Homeland Security announced Aug. 23 it will strengthen its border control efforts and improve coordination with local authorities.

Department spokesperson Joanna González told Hispanic Link News Service such initiatives have been in the works long before either of the governors had declared the emergencies.

In a letter to Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, González said DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff explained initiatives such as coordinating activities of some federal

and state public safety agents and suggested Corlyn Naplilano

state law enforcement officers help the Border Patrol at certain interstate roads.

The declarations of emergency by Napolitano Aug. 15 and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson a few days earlier have made $1.5 million and $1.75 million available, respectively, to address issues such as drug smuggling and the flow of undocumented immigrants at their state borders.

The state funds will pay for increased state and local law enforcement efforts, including overtime and equipment costs.

John Keeley, communications director for the Center for Immigration Studies, told Hispanic Link that "a million and a half dollars for Arizona is like throwing sand at a tidal wave to the problem." But, he added, "The actions do serve as a powerful indictment of the U.S. Congress for its failure to carry out its fundamental responsibility to its citizens."

Richardson said in a statement that the declaration was necessary "unfortunately, because of the total inaction and lack of resources from the federal government and Congress."

Napolitano declared, "Anyone who lives at the border can attest to the fact that what they face is devastating."

Louis DeSipio, professor of Latino Studies at the University of California, Irvine, defined the Southwest border dynamic to Hispanic Link, "Increased enforcement has diverted migration flows into much less populated areas, particularly Arizona and to a lesser extent New Mexico. I think the governors are pointing out that to ...