Pearce Calls for Special Session

Pearce calls for special session to address illegal immigration crisis



WHAT:

Advocates of tougher illegal immigration laws will hold a press conference Wednesday urging Gov. Jan Brewer to call a special session to address the immigration crisis and recent attempts by the federal government to erode Arizona’s progress in combating this problem.



"If our leaders want to address the growing disdain, they must first restore trust with the American people. If you say you are going to secure our borders, then secure them, if you say we are going to enforce the law, then enforce it. If you take an oath of office, then keep it," declared Sen. Russell Pearce.



Surrounded by more than 200 police officers and other supporters, Sen. Pearce will unveil legislation that would outlaw all sanctuary cities policies and toughen sanctions on people in the country illegally. Specifics of the bill and a list of 35+ legislators and additional proponents will be distributed.


“We have seen sharp decreases in both crime and illegal immigration, which demonstrates that enforcement works. What we need to do now is safeguard that enforcement by making some much needed changes in state law,” Pearce said.




WHO:

Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas
J.D. Hayworth, talk radio show host, KFYI
Mark Spencer, president, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association
Arizona Fraternal Order of Police members
Hundreds of members of state and federal law enforcement, citizen groups, victims of violent crimes and other supporters



WHEN:

10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009



WHERE:

Arizona State Capitol, Senate lawn
1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Ariz.





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