Lawmaker Seeks End To Sanctuary City Policies

PHOENIX — A push to get local police departments to change policies discouraging officers from asking people whether they are legally in the country appears to be gaining momentum, the Arizona Legislature’s leading advocate for cracking down on illegal immigration said Wednesday.

Republican Rep. Russell Pearce of Mesa said the decision by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon to change similar rules will help his efforts to get the Legislature to outlaw such so-called sanctuary policies in the coming year.

“They are responding because they have been overwhelmed by a public outcry,â€