Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

The Passing of Arizona's SB 1070 Leads to Protest Last Night in L.A.

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.

There may soon prove to be widespread repercussions following yesterday's signing into law of what is being called "the toughest law against illegal immigration in the country," by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, according to the LA Times. Last night in Los Angeles, Arizona's new law inspired a protest held by about 20 UCLA students and community members at the Federal Building.

SB 1070 allows any officer of the law at the state, county, or city level in Arizona to determine the legal status of anyone at anytime, among other provisions, including making it a crime to be in Arizona illegally.

President Obama believes the law is "misguided," and joins others who are afraid it will lead to rampant racial profiling. Other objections from those who oppose the bill in Arizona and elsewhere believe immigration is a national issue.

Brewer, however, believes the new law will help Arizona's safety, particularly in the face of what she calls "the murderous greed of drug cartels," and says the bill will protect the state from illegal immigration.


From the protest last night in Los Angeles (via email tip)
In addition to last night's modest protest in Los Angeles, it is expected that there will be other actions expressing opposition or objection coming from outside Arizona. The owner of a Los Angeles-based trucking company "said that about 70 drivers based in California and Arizona had agreed to stop moving loads into or out of Arizona in protest of the new law. He hopes to get 200 truckers on board for a five-day boycott that will start within 48 hours of the bill's signing," reports the Miami Herald.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right