rapidcityjournal.com
Journal staff |
Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:23 am

South Dakota has joined other states in an amicus brief supporting state sovereignty and public safety concerning immigration enforcement, according to Attorney General Marty Jackley.

South Dakota joins other states to support Arizona's position that states have preexisting authority to make an arrest based on violations of federal law. The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear Arizona's immigration case.

The states argue that federal law and public safety are fostered when law enforcement arrest an individual and refer that person to the federal government when there is probable cause that the individual has committed a removable offense.

South Dakota's amicus curie, or friend of the court, status does not make it a party to the suit. Joining the suit in support of Arizona is not expected to have a financial cost.

Read more: South Dakota joins in support of Arizona's immigration law