A judge is about to decide if the tough new Employer Sanctions Law goes into effect January 1st.
Make no mistake about it. Police chiefs, mayors, our governor, and big box store managers are closely watching the courthouse these days. Most of them are desperately hoping the judge puts this law on hold.
They're all very concerned about what will happen in January if the restraining order isn't granted and this sucker actually takes effect.
In the last month I've had several private, and completely off the record, conversations with elected leaders or staff members of elected leaders about their fear surrounding The Law. They're bracing for the worst. You think the Pruitt's protests have been bad. You ain't seen nothing yet, or so, these individuals have told me.
The big fear, that no one is talking about publicly, is the Superbowl.
Valley elected leaders and public safety officials are worried the illegal immigrant population will revolt. Reportedly the activists who make their living off speaking for the illegals are quietly planning a major public display of anger timed when this town is crowded with satellite trucks.
Imagine hospitality workers, restaurant bus boys, groundskeepers, and drive-thru clerks all walking off the job the week of the FBR Open, the Superbowl, and Arizona's Presidential Primary. It may sound like a far fetched plot, but this is exactly what half a dozen sources have quietly communicated to me they fear will happen if the Employers Sanctions Law takes effect.
When I've challenged a couple of these political staffers about the likeliness of something radical like this happening, they've pushed back, suggesting it's in the works right now.
I still have my doubts.
Sure, our immigration debate is intense. But, I've been surprised at how civilized the debate is here compared with other communities I've lived in, whether in Texas or California. Here, radical leaders of La Raza don't scream in the media. And, on the other side, extremists who actually do deserve the racist label aren't prevalent.
Yes, the dialogue has become an intense debate. But, it's still humane.
That could change though, if the bus boys and clerks walk.
Comments