Phoenix Police Union Wants To Fight For Arizona Law

Phoenix police union wants to fight for Ariz. law

The Associated Press, July 1, 2010
http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12744650

A union representing 2,400 Phoenix police officers wants to become a defendant in a lawsuit challenging Arizona's new immigration enforcement law in order to defend it.

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association on Thursday asked a federal judge for permission to intervene in the case.

The union says police will be helped by the law by having the ability to identify and remove illegal immigrants. On the other hand, the union says blocking implementation would mean officers face (quote) 'a heightened risk of death or serious injury caused by illegal aliens.'

The law's numerous provisions include a requirement that police enforcing another law ask people about their immigrant status if there's a reasonable basis to believe they're in the country illegally.