New Mexico Democrats are slamming Republican governor Susana Martinez over an order issued reforming the state’s immigration system.
Democratic legislators are vowing to fight a directive by Ms. Martinez requiring state law enforcement to ask about the immigration status of criminal suspects.
More than one dozen state lawmakers criticized the Republican governor’s immigration reform proposal, likening it to the controversial immigration law in Arizona.
The Republican, who made national headlines after being elected the nation’s first Latina governor, said she would eliminate an executive order by former Gov. Bill Richardson, prohibiting law enforcement officials from asking individuals about their immigration status.
Ms. Martinez ordered the immigration law into effect earlier this week, sparking criticism from Democrats and debate from supporters and opponents.
Ms. Martinez defended the law, saying “this order takes the handcuffs off of New Mexico’s law enforcement officers in their mission to keep our communities safe.”
