Media Corner

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2010

Central Basin Adopts Resolution Opposing The Arizona Immigration Law

COMMERCE CA – The Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors joined the growing national movement against Arizona Senate Bill 1070 by adopting a resolution calling for its repeal on Monday June 29.

Among other provisions deemed unconstitutional, SB1070 would violate the Fourteenth Amendment by requiring law enforcement to investigate a person’s immigration status when there is a reasonable suspicion that the person is in the Country unlawfully, regardless of whether that person is suspected of a crime. If there is suspicion of a crime, SB1070 permits the arrest of a person without warrant./

"We adopted this resolution because it was the right thing to do. SB1070 is offensive, extreme and unjust" said Central Basin Board President Ed Vasquez. "It is a clear and deliberate violation of our Constitution and in no way does this law represent any kind of legitimate solution for our border problems."

While the law does not directly apply to the southeast Los Angeles region that is served by the District, it does set a dangerous precedent for future immigration policy and for the inequitable treatment of minorities across the Country. Within the Central Basin service area, approximately 80 percent of the population is Hispanic (2000 U.S. Census).

"As a Special California District serving the communities of southeast LA County, we see it as our responsibility to join others across the nation in standing against this law," Director Vasquez continued. "This may be an Arizona law, but this is not their battle to fight alone. We are all affected, and we are all in it together."