Law enforcement react to SB 1070

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Posted 5:14 PM 9/6/2012 : Law enforcement react to SB 1070

TUCSON-It's been dubbed Arizona's "show me your papers" law.

A federal judge ruled authorities can now carry out the most contentious section of SB 1070 questioning the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally.

Opponents argue the illegal immigration law is a form of racial profiling.

In April 2010, governor Jan Brewer signed it and it was set to take effect that July.

Several legal challenges have since been filed including one by the U.S. Department of Justice.

We spoke to the Pima County Sheriff, the Tucson police chief even an immigration attorney to figure out how this ruling will affect you.

One of the major criticisms of the ruling is that it could promote racial profiling.

"We've always trained our officers to understand that racial profiling is not acceptable," said Chief Roberto Villasenor.

Officers trained for SB 1070 back in 2010 and again this year.

"People are on edge about this law, so we have to be conscious of that, and my officers are conscious of that, but I have every faith in my officers that they are professional and will conduct themselves with integrity," said Villasenor.

Chief Villasenor said many times those that are undocumented admit it to officers.

"I don't believe we'll be asking for birth certificates," he said.

An immigration attorney tells us that's because Arizona requires a birth certificate in the first place in order to get a driver's license.

Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said this law complicates how law enforcement has been operating all along.

"People are going to start suing and that's unfortunate," said Sheriff Dupnik.

And not just those claiming racial profiling, but by those claiming law enforcement isn't enforcing the law.

"The poor law enforcement officers on the street, if we do, we get sued, and if we don't we get sued because profiling is not something that's black and white," said Sheriff Dupnik.

Immigration attorney Maurice Goldman said there's no doubt that all eyes will be on law enforcement.

"To see if there are violations," said Goldman.

Chief Villasenor said the city plans to host community forums so that the public can ask questions about SB 1070.

We will let you know when those meetings are set.