Posted: Jul 20, 2012 1:13 PM
PHOENIX (AP) - Opponents of Arizona's hardline immigration enforcement law are using emails sent by a former state senator who championed the law to support allegations it was racially motivated.
The American Civil Liberties Union obtained thousands of Russell Pearce's emails through a public records request.
They're part of a new legal effort by civil rights groups to block police from enforcing the Arizona law's so-called "show me your papers" provision recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/OzRYIx ) reports that the emails blur lines between illegal immigrants and Hispanics in general. The ACLU says the emails show a striking hostility toward the Hispanic population.
A spokesman for Gov. Jan Brewer says the arguments won't succeed in court.
Pearce on Friday did not immediately return messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Comments