Courts to check migrants' status

Lindsey Collom and Michael Kiefer
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 4, 2007 12:00 AM

The chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday imposed new rules on courts and law enforcement after questions arose about how to enforce a new law that denies bond to undocumented immigrants.

The administrative order requires law enforcement officers to determine whether there is probable cause to suspect that the defendant is in the country illegally. And, if so, the judge or commissioner at the initial court appearance must hold a hearing within 24 hours to decide whether bail is to be denied.

Judges have been hesitant to enforce Proposition 100, a successful citizen initiative, and many law enforcement agencies have resisted any requirements that they ascertain immigration status. High-profile incidents have brought the issue to the attention of legislators.