Supreme Court Issues Split Decision on Arizona Immigration Law
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of Arizona’s strict law targeting illegal immigrants, but said Arizona’s police can stop, question and briefly detain immigrants if they have reason to believe they are in the country illegally.
The justices said the federal government has the ultimate authority to decide who will be held on immigration charges and deported.
While police cans stop people they suspect are illegal immigrants, the justices said the police have limited authority. They must check with federal immigration agents before deciding to hold the suspects.
The justices also blocked parts of the Arizona’s SB 1070 that would have made it state crime for illegal immigrants to carry documents or to seek work.