Proposition 3.14 heads to November ballot as border issue set to raise stakes further

Phoenix, Arizona: In a ruling on Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 3.14, a contentious border control measure that will now appear on the November ballot. The court’s unanimous decision confirmed that the proposed law, which would make it a state crime to cross the US-Mexico border illegally, does not violate the Arizona State Constitution.

Proposition 3.14, if approved by voters, would empower state law enforcement to arrest individuals unable to prove US citizenship or legal residency. Additionally, the measure would allow state courts to order deportations, a move that has sparked significant debate across the state.

Activist groups have voiced strong opposition to the proposition, arguing that it infringes upon the state constitution and oversteps the authority of state law, particularly since immigration enforcement is generally considered a federal responsibility. Despite these concerns, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled against these activist groups, allowing the measure to proceed to the ballot.

Legal experts anticipate that, even if the proposition is approved by voters, it will face substantial legal challenges. Similar laws in other states, such as Texas, have been blocked by federal courts, reinforcing the notion that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction.

As the November election approaches, this measure is expected to be a focal point of political and legal contention in Arizona. Activist groups are likely to intensify their efforts to challenge the measure both before and after the election, setting the stage for a prolonged battle over the state’s role in immigration enforcement.