Locals rip city's Arizona boycott

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The phone lines lit up Thursday inside The Jeff Ward Show studio at KLBJ News Radio 590 AM.

"John, you're on KLBJ," said news talk show host Jeff Ward.
 
Callers were fired up about the Austin City Council's unanimous decision to cut future business ties with the state of Arizona.

"I think this deal with what the City Council approved today is pretty ridiculous," said caller John. "I don't know what the big deal with Arizona law is. Anytime if you're in South Texas and you go through a border patrol check point, you're gonna be asked if you're an American citizen."

Many argued existing federal law already gives local law enforcement the power to practice what will soon be state law in Arizona. It will require police to find out a person's immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion about their legality during lawful contact.

Austin Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Martinez, one of the sponsors of the city's resolution, called into the show to clear up misconceptions.

"It sends a message to Arizona - the state - not people in it, but the state government, that we choose not to do business with you," said Martinez.

Jeff Ward asked, "Why do you think it is the City Council's business one way or another what the state of Arizona does or doesn't do?"

Martinez responded, "We absolutely support immigration reform, but not in this manner...We know that there are state lawmakers that are contemplating similar legislation here in Texas, and so we want to send a strong message that we're not gonna be supporting it."

Martinez said his biggest beef with Arizona's new immigration law is that it creates more burdens on local government, and local law enforcement have their plates full already keeping the streets safe.

Ward then asked why doesn't the city pass a resolution or begin discussions about the City Council's feelings about immigration here.

Martinez quickly replied, "I guarantee you we will."

In addition to KLBJ callers, dozens of commenters on KXAN.com stories voice their opinions - the majority of them strongly against the move. See our coverage to weigh in.