WASHINGTON (AP) – Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says Arizona’s new immigration law could siphon federal money and staff needed to go after dangerous immigrants.
Napolitano says Immigration and Customs Enforcement fears it will have to use its stretched resources to deal with those arrested under Arizona’s new law. She testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
The law allows police to question people about their immigration status if they have reason to suspect they are in the country illegally.
President Barack Obama has called the new law “misguided,” and critics say it will lead to racial profiling. Supporters say it is needed to stem illegal immigration.