HEREFORD, Ariz. – A huge section of metal fencing marking the border between Arizona and Mexico served as the backdrop for a group of people rallying behind Arizona’s controversial new anti-illegal-immigration law.
Jared Dillingham was in Hereford, Arizona, which is south of Sierra Vista, where a who’s who of conservative Arizonans took part in the United Border Coalition's Tea Party rally. The gathering took place on a private ranch about 20 miles from the port of entry in Naco.
More than 400 people attended the rally. Sen. Russell Pearce, who wrote Senate Bill 1070, was there, as were Senate hopeful J.D. Hayworth and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Demonstrators attached hundreds of U.S. flags with messages about curbing illegal immigration to the 15-foot posts. One of the messages read, "Mister President ... Secure This Border For America."
Arpaio, who is known for his tough enforcement of immigration laws in Arizona's most populous county, said immigration enforcement goes far beyond the nation's border and the Mexican Government should welcome U.S. border patrol or military forces to go after drug cartels south of the border.
A federal judge has put on hold the most contentious provisions of the law.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
