Immigration Ruling Prompts Local Rally

DALLAS - Both local Hispanic groups and immigration reform supporters are declaring victory when it comes to the ruling on Arizona’s new immigration law.

On Wednesday, a federal judge blocked several of the key parts of the Arizona law from taking effect, most notably the part that requires police to determine the immigration status of those they arrest or stop.

A day later, members of LULAC gathered at Dallas City Hall.

They said the decision in Arizona is just the first step toward broader immigration reform that should come from the feds and not at the state level.

“Yesterday was a victory for the Latino community and for our immigrants,” said Bea Martinez.

Supporters of the Arizona law also see the latest ruling as a victory.

Texas State Representative Leo Berman, a Republican from Tyler, said the judge’s ruling is not a final decision, but merely a delay. He wants to see the issue play out in court.

He also plans to introduce an immigration bill in Texas similar to the one in Arizona.

“This bill will allow finally local law enforcement officers to deal with illegal aliens. They are in the country illegally. What is it that you don’t understand about the word illegal,” Berman said.