Arizona Bill Plans to Approve Killing Trespassers

BorderPhoto byGreg BullaonUnsplash

Under a bill advancing in the Arizona Legislature, a property owner would be able to kill or threaten to kill people who cross their property to illegally enter the U.S. The bill would modify the "Castle Doctrine" which permits the use of deadly force to defend yourself from intruders. Now, apparently, it will be OK to shoot someone just crossing your property.

The bill precedes the trial for rancher George Kelly on 2nd degree murder charges for a migrant found dead on his property. Kelly maintains he only fired warning shots and has pled not guilty.

Rep. Analise Ortiz, a Phoenix-area Democrat, called the bill disgusting and inhumane and would allow "open season on migrants".

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee spokesperson Abhi Rahman said the approval of the Arizona bill would mean the GOP is "one step closer to legalizing murder."

The bill, if approved by the Senate, could still be veto'd by Governor Katie Hobbs, and is expected to be a focus of the coming election. The Latino community in Arizona has been organizing, and in the last election, voted 74% for President Biden.