FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :   Wednesday, February 15, 2012
CONTACT:   Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215

South Dakota Joins Other States to Continue its Support of State Joint
Authority Over Immigration Enforcement

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that South Dakota has joined other states in an amicus brief in support of state sovereignty and public safety as it relates to immigration enforcement.
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear Arizona’s immigration case. South Dakota has joined with other states in support of Arizona, arguing that states have preexisting authority to make an arrest based on violations of federal law. The brief continues to address immigration enforcement, as well as the States’ interest in ensuring state sovereignty is protected. The States argue that federal law and public safety are fostered when law enforcement arrest an individual and refer that person to the federal government when there is probable cause that the individual has committed a removable offense.
South Dakota remains with several other states in the capacity of amicus curie, or friend of the court-not as a party defendant. The State of Michigan has taken the lead role of the amicus states, and it is anticipated that South Dakota will not bear any costs associated with its supportive and advisory role.

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