Councilors push to boycott Arizona

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque could be the next city to cut financial ties with Arizona as two city councilors push to boycott the state in protest to its new controversial immigration law.

Councilors Ken Sanchez and Rey Garduno are sponsoring the proposal. It calls for Albuquerque to refrain from conducting business with Arizona as long as Arizona State Senate Bill 1070 remains in effect.

“I just think we need to send a message to Arizona and we do not support racial profiling,” Sanchez said. “I think this truly undermines the United States constitution and the exclusive powers belong to congress.”

Arizona's governor signed the new law last month. The law requires local law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone if there is reasonable suspicion the person is in the country illegally.

For now, Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry is withholding judgment and not jumping onboard the councilor’s proposal.

“Before I make snap judgments I’m going to read the legislation,” Berry said.

Councilors Sanchez and Garduno said they’re moving forward. If their proposal is approved, Albuquerque will follow in the footsteps of other cities like Austin, Boston and Los Angeles.

Just four days ago, L.A. became the largest city to boycott Arizona. It will withhold $8 million in contracts from the state.

While the net effect of a possible Albuquerque boycott is not immediately known, Sanchez hopes it will still send a message

Sanchez says Arizona’s loss could be Albuquerque’s gain. He said he's heard of several more conventions skipping over Arizona and bringing business to Albuquerque.

City Councilors will consider the proposal Monday.

If it passes, Albuquerque will not be alone in New Mexico; Gallup city officials decided to boycott Arizona earlier this month.