Wise Latina Governor says New Mexico no longer a sanctuary state

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2/1/11, "New Mexico no longer a sanctuary state, Governor says, " KOAT.com, Albuquerque

"Gov. Susana Martinez said Monday that New Mexico is no longer a sanctuary state, but some call this executive order a tragedy with implications far beyond our imagination. Martinez ordered the reversal of the state's "sanctuary status,"

• which prohibited law enforcement from asking criminal suspects about their citizenship.

Now, officers will be able to ask anyone they suspect of a crime about their immigration status. Marcela Diaz, of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, an immigrant rights organization, said this will essentially turn police into immigration agents. “I think this was a knee-jerk decision that was not well thought out,” Diaz said. “Not only will this lead to increased racial profiling, it taxes resources of limited enforcement.” The new governor said allowing law enforcement to inquire into immigration status is

• a big step forward in protecting the public...

Diaz said immigrant rights activists, hoping for a reevaluation of the executive order, will be protesting at the roundhouse Wednesday at noon."

via Weasel Zippers