In a contentious move, Arizona Republicans in the state legislature have voted in favor of a proposal that would grant local and state police the power to enforce immigration laws. The controversial measure, known as HCR 2060, will now appear on Arizona ballots this fall, despite fierce opposition from Democrats, Latino rights groups, and the business community.

The approval of HCR 2060 by House Republicans comes two weeks after the Senate passed the measure along party lines. If approved by voters, the proposal would make it a state crime to enter Arizona from Mexico outside of designated ports of entry, a violation already illegal under federal law but not locally enforced.

Prior to the vote, House Republicans closed the public gallery and required spectators to watch the debate on televisions in separate rooms, citing security concerns after protests disrupted a Senate hearing on the same bill. Critics argue that this move represents a double standard, pointing to previous instances where protesters were allowed in the gallery for different issues.

The proposal, which is similar to a bill previously vetoed by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, bypasses the governor's veto pen and proceeds directly to the voters on the November 5 ballot. HCR 2060 is modeled after Texas' SB4, which is currently facing legal challenges and is blocked from going into effect.

Republicans in favor of the measure argue that it is necessary to combat the flow of immigrants crossing the border illegally, claiming that the federal government has failed to address the issue effectively. President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order to temporarily block migrants attempting to cross the border illegally from seeking asylum.

Opponents, primarily Democrats, argue that it is not the state's responsibility to police the border and predict that HCR 2060 will drain the state's budget and harm minority communities. They compare the legislation to the controversial SB 1070 passed over a decade ago, which was partially overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Business groups, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, also voiced concerns, warning that the state should leave immigration enforcement to the federal government to avoid negative economic consequences.

Despite the opposition, House Speaker Ben Toma, a Republican, emphasized that the proposal is not anti-immigrant but rather aimed at addressing lawlessness and securing the border. Proponents argue that potential costs will be offset by the savings from reduced illegal immigration.

Critics point out various concerns regarding HCR 2060, including potential violations of the Arizona and U.S. constitutions, conflicts with federal law, and the possibility of costly litigation. There are also debates about the measure violating Arizona Constitutional provisions that require ballot referrals to cover a single subject.

LUCHA, a prominent Latino rights group, plans to file a lawsuit challenging the measure, asserting that HCR 2060 encompasses multiple unrelated subjects. Democrats raise concerns that the legislation encroaches on federal authority.

With the state currently facing a significant budget deficit, opponents argue that HCR 2060 poses an additional financial burden and does not provide a funding source.

As election season approaches, opponents of HCR 2060 have pledged to campaign against its passage. It remains to be seen who will spearhead efforts to convince voters to approve the measure, but House Speaker Toma expressed confidence in its success, suggesting that the proposal may pass without substantial funding for the campaign.

The outcome of HCR 2060 will have significant implications for immigration enforcement in Arizona. Voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on November 5, deciding whether the state should take a more proactive role in addressing illegal border crossings.