Suit may affect Utah immigration plan

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Arizona's new immigration law could have implications on a similar proposed law in Utah.

Despite the lawsuit, Gov. Gary Herbert is going forward with his plans to bring together a diverse group of Utahns soon to talk about how the state should address immigration, said Angie Welling, the governor's spokeswoman.

"Gov. Herbert firmly believes that Utah must find its own solution on this issue, which is why he will facilitate a roundtable discussion with people of varying perspectives on immigration reform," Welling said. "(Tuesday's) filing from the federal government was expected and will not derail the governor's plans to continue that conversation here in Utah."

Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank, who has been outspoken in his position against state laws that mandate municipal-level immigration enforcement, lauded the federal move Tuesday.

"I'm pleased the DOJ has decided to move forward with this," Burbank said. "Local law enforcers across the country, including some agencies in Arizona, are speaking out on this issue."

Burbank expressed some optimism that the action would also halt, at least temporarily, efforts in other states, including Utah, to emulate the Arizona law.

"Hopefully, it will send a very strong message to put the brakes on pending state legislation," he said. "The one positive may be that it will spur the federal government toward its need to take a look at a very big, sweeping reform of immigration law."

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker has been steadfast in his support of Burbank's stand on keeping local cops out of immigration enforcement and called the federal lawsuit a proper response.

"This problem is not going to be solved at the state or local level," Becker said. "This is, hopefully, a first step by the federal government toward making substantive changes."

Becker said Burbank's stand on immigration is about keeping Utah's capital city safe.

"Chief Burbank knows the dynamic of this city, and he does his job well," the mayor said. "A secure community doesn't come from operating with Gestapo tactics."

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, is drafting a bill that closely mirrors Arizona's law but makes a few changes.