Councilman Calls For Review Of Boycott In Wake Of Arizona Ruling - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

(CNS) City Councilman Ed Reyes said the Supreme Court's ruling striking down major provisions of Arizona's 2010 immigration law called for revisiting whether the city should continue with a nominal boycott of Arizona.

Reyes first called for the city to boycott the state after Arizona legislators approved its immigration law, known as SB 1070, in May 2010.  The council at the time agreed the law promoted "racial profiling, discrimination and harassment'' and agreed to "refrain from conducting business with the state of Arizona including participating in any conventions
or other business that requires city resources.''

The boycott included exemptions for when alternative contracts would threaten public safety or cost taxpayers more money. A string of exemptions last year opened the boycott to criticism that it was a hollow gesture.

The Supreme Court today struck down much of the Arizona law on the grounds that states cannot encroach on the jurisdiction of the federal government, which includes determining who comes and goes from the country. However, the court upheld a section requiring law enforcement officers to ask for proof of citizenship from people they stop.

Reyes shied away from saying whether he favors repealing the boycott. "The majority of the provisions (of SB 1070) have been deemed unconstitutional but there's one that still is open ended and I think that discussion should occur on the council floor,'' Reyes said.

Reyes said he would seek to have the discussion as soon as possible after consulting with City Council President Herb Wesson and the chairmen of the relevant council committees. Reyes said he opposed the court's decision to uphold the provision requiring law enforcement officers to inquire about immigration status.

"I think Americans should feel that they have the freedom to go where they can and want in this great country...without having to look over our shoulders because of the way we look,'' Reyes said.