REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Two challenges to Arizona’s controversial immigration law will be heard in federal court today.
The first challenge will come from a collection of individuals and civil rights groups, and the second will come from the Justice Department. Both seek to stop the law from being implemented, and are two of seven challenges filed. If Arizona wins these cases, the law will go into effect on July 29.
Arizona’s law would require police to question people about their status in the country if they have been detained for another reason and there is any reason to suspect they may be in the U.S. illegally. Supporters say the law will simply enforce federal law, but critics say the law may encourage racial profiling.
Judge Susan Bolton will hear both the cases today in Phoenix. (See pictures of an immigration detention center.)