Yuma mayor at immigration forum: SB 1070 has created a civil war

America is in a civil war, said Yuma Mayor Al Krieger ­— and it's over SB 1070.

At an immigration forum Tuesday evening, Krieger and other panelists discussed the controversial law that will go into effect July 29. The law would make it a state crime to be in the country illegally, enforced by local law enforcement, a job currently done by federal law enforcement.

About 60 people attended to forum that included a question-and-answer portion.

Krieger said the definition of a civil war is when the states and federal governments differ (in opinion). “So we basically have an undeclared civil war today.”

“To call that a civil war, that's a passionate statement,” said Everardo Martinez-Insunza, an associate dean at Arizona Western College.

Though Krieger agreed it may have been a harsh statement, he said “it has nothing to do with passion and everything to do with fact.”

The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against the law July 6, citing that it was pre-empted by federal immigration law and therefore violates the Constitution.

Tuesday's panelists and attendees may not have agreed on many of the topics concerning SB 1070 and immigration, but one thing all the panelists agreed on was that federal immigration reform is needed.

Judge Jorge Lozano, of Yuma County Justice Precinct 2, sat with Krieger on the panel.

“It's been named the toughest immigration law in the country, that's why it brings out so much passion, that's why it brings out so many people for and against it,” Lozano said.

One of the aspects of the law that ignites the most fire, he said is that local law enforcement will use “reasonable suspicion” to check a person's citizenship status.

“We don't know how much of that is going to be respectful,” Lozano said.

With new responsibilities for local law enforcement, including incarceration, local governments could “pick up the tab,” said Francisco Heredia, with Mi Familia Vota, who was on the panel to speak about the importance of civic participation.

“How can we enforce this law without getting extra funding to pay for that?” he said.

Attendee Charlene Fernandez, a board member on the Yuma Union High School District, said she thinks the state is being “cocky” by passing SB 1070.

“This law was passed by a Legislature that cannot even fund education,” she said.

Jorge L. Hidalgo, consul for assistance and protection affairs with the Mexican Consulate in Yuma, said the purpose of the consulate is to provide assistance to Mexican nationals.

He said they're currently keeping people informed about the law, they have established communication with (law enforcement) authorities and have prepared legal assistance.

Hidalgo said in the end, the dialogue concerning SB 1070 isn't just about Arizona — “(it's about) the future of this country and the way this country relates to the world.”

Marco Garcia, 24, spoke about his personal experience with racial profiling after he said the Border Patrol was called when he was stopped by local law enforcement.

Arizonans may not be able to change the law, but they can use the power of voting to help shape the elected officials who write laws, he said.

Garcia said he encourages youths to participate in their civic duty. “They need to care about what's going on. What's it going to take is to rise up — let our voices be heard.”

He said while he is not exactly opposed to the law, he does think it will evoke racial profiling and problems with illegal immigration. “But I don't think that this law will solve the problem.”

Heredia agreed. For now, SB 1070, is only hurting Yuma, he said.

“This law is only dividing our community, not bringing us together.”

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.