The struggle over Immigration continues in the Phoenix area, as protesters have a new target; a local business which hires off-duty police officers to provide security. According to the immigration activists, the officers have been harassing day laborers and illegal immigrants who live nearby.
The owners of the business, Pruitts Furniture, deny the charges. On Wednesday, a small group of protesters marched from the business to Phoenix City Hall to object to the activities of the officers.
On January 1st, a new immigration law goes into effect which places heavy penalties on businesses which hire illegal immigrants. Along with the protests, opponents to the new law are working to get the law placed on hold. The first attempt failed, but a second motion is being considered. Click here for more information.
As short sections of the border fence are put into place and as more laws are created to combat illegal immigration, pressure is mounting on immigrant groups to resist. Whether or not such attempts will be successful does not appear likely, however.