The Local War on the Undocumented

Arizona has seen an increasingly unfriendly environment for undocumented immigrants, with the threat of raids, violence, and repression. Within a short time, a select number of officers from different police departments with jurisdiction in Maricopa County were trained to enforce immigration laws. Some agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were deputized as well, giving dual jurisdiction to an increasing number of officials. Immigration law began to be enforced in the jails and prisons as well. The efficiency gained by these changes to enforce immigration laws is likely part of the plan set forth by the Office of Detention and Removal, part of Homeland Security. This plan, which provides strategies to “remove all removable aliens” by 2012 is called Endgame.

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City Reverses Sanctuary Policy, Police Will Target Immigrants

On February 15, the City of Phoenix announced that it will abandon its long-time sanctuary laws and begin turning over undocumented immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The decision was the result of a policy review ordered on December 3 by Mayor Phil Gordon.

The panel reviewing the city's policies included Police Chief Harris, Jose Rivera, Rick Romley, Grant Woods, and Paul Charlton (the infamous former U.S. attorney who prosecuted humanitarian aid workers). The panel recommended that the city direct its police department to enforce federal immigration laws.

The above review came as a result of a lawsuit filed by Judicial Review, a conservative D.C.-based think tank. With its February 15 decision, the City of Phoenix has chosen to disenfranchise many of its residents in order to appease xenophobic outside interests. Judicial Review filed a similar lawsuit earlier this year against the city of Los Angeles.

Related: Recommended Revisions to Phoenix Police Department's Immigration Enforcement Policy
Mayor's Statement on PPD Immigration Policy

Panel Reverses Earlier Ruling, Declares Six Month Strike Legal

On February 14 the Mexican Federal Adjudication Council reversed an earlier ruling, declaring that the six-plus month strike of workers in Cananea, Sonora may continue. The panel had previously ruled on January 11, 2008 that the strike was illegal. That decision lead to a brutal attack by Mexican federal police later that same day.

Cananea, a city about 30 miles south of the Arizona border, has been the site of numerous historic labor battles. Workers at the Cananea Copper mine, owned by Grupo Mexico, S.A. (who also own Asarco in the U.S.) have been on strike since July 31. The mine has refused to negotiate with the workers' union. On January 16 thousands of workers at more than 85 mines and factories across Mexico walked out in solidarity with the Cananea strike.

While the February 14 ruling does not bring an end to the strike, it does give the workers a stronger hand as they move forward against Grupo Mexico, who refuse to address occupational safety concerns or respect the workers' collective agreement. read more>>>

Click here to see an animated video explaining the Cananea workers' struggle. For more information visit: http://seccion65cananea.wordpress.com

In a related story, about thirty people gathered in Phoenix on Thursday 2/14 at Southern Copper Corporation (a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico) to support the families of 63 coal miners who were buried two years ago in the Pasta de Conchos Mine #8 located in San Juan de Sabinas in the state of Coahuila, Mexico.

More coverage: Sindicatos de México y EU se reúnen con legisladores , Gremios exigen incluir derechos laborales
Final Resolution of February 14 Arbitration Board Rules in Favor of the Miners in Cananea,

"Phoenix Patriot" Neo-Nazi hit by car while protesting day labor center

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The Apartheid Wall Continues its Devastating Impact on Arizona Communities, Wildlife

TUCSON -- This is a recent photo obtained anonymously of desert mule deer stuck at the border wall in southern Arizona. These deer were trying to cross in to Mexico, maybe they heard DHS Sec. Chertoff was just in town.

Homeland Security voided all federal laws, including environmental laws and laws protecting American Indian remains, to build segments of the border wall in Arizona.

Freedom of movement is critical to healthy wildlife populations, and border walls block wildlife movement. Humans just find their way around.

While the campaign of Bush and Chertoff continues for the US Apartheid Border Wall, there's good news from Mexico. In a joint effort of groups from north and south of the border, the Northern Jaguar Project in Sonora, Mexico, has reached its goal and was able to purchase land in order to maintain it as a preserve for the jaguar. Meanwhile in the US, the border wall in Arizona is already destroying the habitat and migrating ability of the jaguar.

Related:
Russia to U.S.: "Mr. Bush, Tear Down This Wall!"
Spy Towers Aren't Working? No Kidding!
Chertoff Being Sued at Texas Border