YUMA, AZ - Local reaction is mixed on Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling on SB1070, Arizona's Immigration Law.
Some people believe papers documenting a person's right to be in the country should be carried at all times.
"They should be required to carry those papers. Just like your driver's license and proof of insurance. It's not a big deal," says Bonnie Peacock, outside the downtown post office.
Others expressed dissatisfaction with the administration after Monday's ruling.
"I think we have an amnesty president and our supreme court won't uphold our laws and our borders are open. We're in a recession, and I think we need a new president," said a man who identified himself as "Johnny."
But immigration laws are far from simple.
"Immigration law is considered one of the most complex series of laws, second only to tax laws. Some people would argue maybe more," says criminal defense and immigration attorney, Kelly Smith.
With such complex laws, and a much anticipated Supreme Court ruling, one would think local law enforcement would be gearing up for some big changes. But at the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, that isn't the case.
"We absolutely see zero impact on our day to day operations here. For some time, the Sheriffs Office has been working closely with Border Patrol and if our officers encounter someone we suspect is in the country illegally, we call Border Patrol," says Capt. Eben Bratcher.
While people remain divided on immigration policies, most agree on one point: comprehensive immigration reform is needed.
"Of course, the problem is whether comprehensive immigration reform can be undertaken because of the political ramifications," adds attorney Kelly Smith. The ramifications are, of course a reference to the 2012 elections. It would seem immigration reform is the hot potato neither side of the aisle wants to handle before November.
As for local Border Patrol, they've been instructed not to talk to the media, at least for now. They're referring questions to the press office of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
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