FLORENCE, AZ -- Today's decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton blocked key provisions of Arizona’s new criminal immigration law, popularly know as SB 1070, while allowing other portions of SB 1070 to go into effect tomorrow. 
 
The key provisions which cannot be enforced unless the Court’s ruling is changed or overruled include the new state crimes of failing to complete or carry an alien registration card and trying to secure work while not a legal resident. The basis for the ruling was that the enjoined parts of the new law were in an area preempted by federal law. The Court’s Preliminary Injunction will remain in effect until a trial on the merits unless it is appealed by the State of Arizona in which case the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could reverse, uphold or modify the decision.
 
On July 6, I issued a statement on the filing of the federal lawsuit challenging SB 1070 which stated that I welcomed the filing of the federal lawsuit because it would lead to an answer about what could be enforced constitutionally before the law was to go into effect tomorrow, July 29.  This has been construed by some to mean that I opposed SB 1070. 
 
As an elected official, I am bound by my oath to enforce the laws passed by the legislature, but also to uphold the Constitution of the United States.   I intend to carry out these sworn duties with great care and the utmost integrity.