Pubdate: Thu, 18 Aug 2005
Source: USA Today (US)
Page: 2A
Copyright: 2005 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact:  http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Emily Bazar, USA TODAY

ARIZ., N.M., DECLARE EMERGENCIES

The governors of Arizona and New Mexico have declared states of 
emergency along their southern borders, arguing that the federal 
government hasn't done enough to combat drug trafficking, vandalism 
and other crimes associated with illegal immigration from Mexico.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano took action Monday, funneling $1.5 
million in state money to four border counties.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson acted last Friday after an aerial 
border tour, pledging $1.75 million in emergency state funding, also 
to four counties.

The governors, both Democrats, say the money will be used to add 
police to border areas, pay overtime and purchase crime-deterring 
equipment. They say the federal government should secure the border 
and help pay state and local costs incurred from illegal immigration.

On Thursday, California's state Assembly leader, Fabian Nuez, called 
on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to follow their lead.

"I'm not going to tolerate violent criminal activity," explains 
Richardson, who says he didn't see any Border Patrol agents during 
his helicopter tour. "That's what this undocumented criminal crisis 
is breeding: illegal drug smuggling, kidnapping, trafficking of 
people and narcotics."

The violence, fueled by warring drug cartels, prompted the State 
Department earlier this year to warn American citizens considering 
border visits.

Republican critics charge that the governors' declarations are 
politically motivated. Bill Christiansen, executive director of the 
Arizona Republican Party, says problems have been festering on the 
border for years. "Why did it take (Napolitano) so long to get to the 
point she's at?" he asks.

Roxanne Rivera, spokeswoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico, 
says Richardson is trying to gain votes.

"He is being absolutely disingenuous with the citizens of my state," 
Rivera says. In declaring an emergency, she says, Richardson "has 
finally come around to what Republicans in New Mexico have been 
saying for a long time."

Richardson brushes aside the accusations. "This is just being a 
governor, protecting my border and constituents," he says.

Earl Black, a political scientist at Rice University in Houston, says 
the declarations show that concern over illegal immigration "cuts 
across party lines."

"The problem has reached the point where those governors are getting 
enough reaction from presumably their supporters as well as their 
political opponents," Black says. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake