Martinez: I never supported Ariz.-style law in NM
Posted at: 06/25/2012 6:26 PM
| Updated at: 06/25/2012 10:21 PM
By: The Associated Press; KOB.com Staff
 Gov. Susana Martinez |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Susana Martinez says she never supported an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigrants in New Mexico but understands the "frustration felt by Arizonans" due to the lack of federal action on immigration reform.
Martinez issued the statement Monday in response to the Supreme Court decision throwing out provisions of the Arizona law.
The state's only Latina governor said her state has tackled public safety issues relating to border security in "responsible ways," citing her attempts to repeal a state law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.
She also directed state law enforcement to ask about the immigration status of criminal suspects.
The Republican governor, who has come under fire from some immigrant advocates, told GOP presidential candidates during the primaries to "tone down" the rhetoric on illegal immigration.
New Mexico Attorney General Gary King also commented on the Supreme Court ruling, saying it is neither a victory nor a loss for New Mexico.
In a statement released on Monday, King said the state is focused on border security and preventing criminal activity by illegal immigrants.
"Today's ruling by the Court allows us to concentrate our limited resources to that purpose while leaving the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws."
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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