Referring to President Bush’s recent speech addressing illegal immigration, “It’s helpful but doesn’t appear to be a solution,” Thomas said. “This problem has been growing for decades. It’s been an issue in Arizona for a long time. Nationally, it’s finally getting its due.”

Thomas feels there has to be what he calls “a comprehensive application” of immigration law. In other words, it is easier and more cost effective for the country to watch its borders so that illegals don’t enter the country in the first place.  “Secure the border,” he said.  “It’s that much harder and more expensive to track people down once they get into the interior of the country and then deport them.”  He suggests both “structural and technical components” to combat illegal entry across our borders, and also stressed “tough employment sanctions.”                    

“It can be done if the will is there,” Thomas stated.                   

Arizona is experiencing some of the strangest legal battles Thomas has seen.

“The Mexican government got a law firm from Los Angeles,” he said. “It’s pretty outrageous that the Mexican government is arranging the legal defenses of illegal immigrants.” He listed the organizations against which his office is having to prosecute: the criminal defense bar, the Mexican government, legal interest groups and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “I’m prepared to go to court to do battle,” he advised.

The Mexican government and the Los Angeles law firm it has retained are seeking to have the state law against human smuggling repealed because they want it to be the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government.

“What they’re trying to do is declare the rulings against human smuggling unconstitutional,” Thomas said.

Charlie Anson, a resident of Anthem, brought up recent interviews with illegals on Channel 12 and recalled one immigrant who stated that he “just came here to work” and didn’t understand why he was being sent back to his own country when he was simply trying to find a job. 

 “I am sympathetic with people who live in third‑world nations,” Thomas said. “But it’s not just about being able to come to (the United States) to work.  What if they get hurt?  What if they get pregnant?  What if they have kids who want to go to school?” 

Cave Creek resident Sara Vannucci brought up the issue of illegal immigrants being given free health care, while many citizens cannot afford coverage. “We pay taxes so they can have health care,” she said, “and yet we can’t afford it ourselves.”

Anson asked, “Has anyone been keeping track of how many (U.S. citizens) go down to Mexico for medical and dental care? 

“My mom used to go down with her friends,” replied Terry Marron of Desert Hills, “but now the feds have made it so difficult that they go more for the visit than for anything else.”

In a consensus opinion, those around the table found it “interesting” that the United States government can deter its citizens from going across the border but not vice‑versa.

Reach the reporter at jennifer@thedesertadvocate.com.