Tucson residents respond with relief, outrage to mixed ruling on immigration law

Today, parts of Arizona's controversial immigration law went into effect - one day after District Judge Susan Bolton blocked key aspects of the law. In a 36-page ruling, the judge enjoined certain sections of the law, including one that would have required local law enforcement to check the immigration status of people stopped and another that would have required residents to carry immigration documents. In downtown Phoenix protesters blocked the entrance to Sheriff Joe Arpaio's jail, unveiling a banner that read: "Ni uno mas, not one more." Arpaio has vowed to use the law to carry out mass arrests throughout Maricopa County.

In a moment, we have the details of what parts of the law do go into effect today, but first we go to Tuscon, where residents who support and oppose the law reacted to the mix ruling at a series of vigils, rallies and protests. FSRN's Amanda Shauger reports:

At 7:00 a.m.  Thursday morning, 75 people attended a multifaith prayer at El Presidio Park in downtown Tucson, where they planned to stay throughout the day.

Nearby, more than 50 people convened at the State Building to renew their efforts to resist SB1070.

One of the protesters was University of Arizona Law Professor Andy Silverman:

"I'm here because of… what's happening in this state, and even though she enjoined a number of provisions, there  a mood in this state that needs to be dealt with."

SB 1070 opponents went ahead with planned demonstrations despite the news from a federal judge that some portions of the law could be blocked.

Wednesday night, outside of the Rialto Theatre in downtown Tuscon, more than 100 people gathered for a drumming circle convened by percussionist Mickey Hart.

The theater's business has dwindled in recent months, due to a boycott by musicians.

Richard Elias is a Pima County supervisor:

"The courts have yet to fully decide. But  I think that it's a really good move in the right direction, in the sense that federal law has to prevail and, frankly, Congress needs to get moving and figure out what they're going to do on the issue of immigration and what we're going to do with all these people who are still dying in the desert."

Not everyone was pleased with  Wednesday's court decision.

About 50 Tucson Tea Party Patriots convened outside another gathering at the State Building, including Sherese Steffens:

"We support SB 1070, and it's a sad day when in the United States when a judge starts making laws. They're making the laws- the judicial system. Instead of enforcing them and and interpreting them, the judges are now making the law in Arizona and the United States. And it's a sad day for the American People when this happens."

Opponents of SB 1070 planned to continue their demonstrations throughout the day.

Amanda Shauger, FSRN, Tuscon.

Photo: Protesters block entrance to Phoenix, Arizona jail

Photo credit: PuenteAZ