Protestors ask Janet Napolitano to toughen up on Arpaio
Reported by: Dave Biscobing
Email: dbiscobing@abc15.com
Last Update: 3/25 11:43 pm

Immigration debate heats up as Janet Napolitano visits ASU

TEMPE, AZ -- It was a very different scene inside and outside of an ASU auditorium Thursday night as Janet Napolitano spoke about the biggest challenges to our nation's security.

"(Immigration reform) is the most important issue for President Obama and of course this country," she said.

But protestors outside the speech say it's more like a lack of immigration reform.

"It hasn't changed anything here in Maricopa County, everything has continued," said protestor Carlos Garcia.

Ever since Napolitano left her job as Arizona governor to become the Homeland Security Secritary, she's been criticized for being too soft on Arpaio's immigration enforcement sweeps.

"They promised some sort of immigration reform in the first year," Garcia said. "Now that first year has passed and that reform hasn't come, yet the enforcement has increased."

Dozens of protestors marched and chanted during Napolitano's speech, which focused mostly on aviation safety.

Only a few minutes were dedicated to border safety and immigration.

"We are now working with Congress to draft a comprehensive immigration law," Napolitano said.

Months ago, the federal government pulled Arpaio's power to enforce national immigration laws locally under the 287(g) program.

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