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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.