AZ: Judge upholds Ariz. human smuggling law

Judge upholds Ariz. human smuggling law
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Ryan Gabrielson, Tribune January 14, 2009 - 10:52AM


A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit brought by Somos America against Maricopa County, arguing the immigrant-rights group failed to show how the county attorney’s prosecutions under the state anti-human smuggling law are unconstitutional.

County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ interpretation of the state law, that it allows smugglees to be prosecuted as well as the smuggler, has been politically controversial but not legally so. The courts have repeatedly upheld that interpretation.

“This ruling sends an important message that local government has the will and the legal means to address the illegal immigration problem in a manner harmonious and consistent with federal law,â€