Governor Susana Martinez says she never supported an Arizona-style crackdown on undocumented immigrants in New Mexico but understands the "frustration felt by Arizonans" due to the lack of federal action on immigration reform. Martinez issued the statement Monday in response to the Supreme Court decision throwing out provisions of the Arizona law.
The U.S.'s only Latina governor said her state has tackled public safety issues relating to border security in "responsible ways," citing her attempts to repeal a state law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. She also directed state law enforcement to ask about the immigration status of criminal suspects.
The Republican governor, who has come under fire from some immigrant advocates, told GOP presidential candidates during the primaries to "tone down" the rhetoric on illegal immigration.