Immigrant rights activists in Arizona are calling on Governor Doug Ducey to denounce Donald Trump and legislation they say furthers his anti-immigrant agenda.
"Stand with us. Not with Trump! Stand with us. Not with Trump!" That was the rallying cry of community activists on Thursday as they marched upon Ducey’s office, demanding he take a stand against the Republican front runner, who has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and fortify the border.
Francisca Porchas, with local immigrant rights group Puente, said Trump has emboldened state lawmakers here to target the immigrant community, as it did back in the days of SB1070.
“The rhetoric of Trump is being seen in practice, in flesh and blood here at the Arizona state legislature with these types of proposals that are being pushed by reactionary, racist, conservative legislators,” Porchas said, who is referring to several bills.
One would force those in the country illegally and convicted of certain crimes to serve out their full sentence. Another would not allow the state department of corrections to release an undocumented person early to federal officials for deportation.
Supporters of those measures said they will keep Arizona safer.
An aid for Ducey would not comment to Porchas and others about the governor’s position