Posted: Apr 23, 2010 5:11 AM
Updated: Apr 23, 2010 5:11 AM
NOGALES - Governor Brewer's new border security plan unveiled Thursday afternoon has some law enforcement agencies along the border ready to request some of that money and support.
But some immigrant advocates said this is not where stimulus money should be going.
"There's so much activity happening down here," said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada.
Sheriff Estrada said he is ready to do whatever it takes to get some of the funding and support that Governor Brewer is offering.
"Definitely they could put more boots on the ground, more Border Patrol agents, more people working the ports," Estrada said Thursday.
But immigrant advocates like Isabel Garcia say any extra money the state has should not go to this.
"Rather than give these monies for healthcare, education for our kids, jobs, infrastructure...here we are...stimulus money going for more border enforcement. It's a shame," said Garcia.
Garcia said this is just another way for the Governor to criminalize migrants fleeing political and social problems in their countries.
"I believe it's irresponsibility to continue to fund more law enforcement, militarization of a border for issues that deal with things not related to law enforcement.
Sheriff Estrada said they have been requesting help for years, and now they will welcome anything the state can give.
"The more resources, and more technology, and the more manpower you have down here...the better job you're going to be able to do. And I think that's in the best interest of all Americans," Estrada said.
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