Border town leaders upset over warning bill

NOGALES, AZ - Leaders in some Arizona border communities have been stepping up their opposition to a bill in the Legislature that would require Arizona's Department of Homeland Security director to "immediately warn" the public about dangers involving illegal immigration, possibly in emails or in social media.

The bill, now in the House, was sponsored by Republican Rep. Peggy Judd of Willcox. She also represents Nogales and Rio Rico.

Judd says her bill is meant to clarify rumors and fears about immigration-related threats.

But the Nogales International reports that the bill has faced a steady outcry of protest from town leaders stretching from San Luis to Douglas who say their communities have already suffered too much from alarmist reports about the border.

Some of those leaders say the bill would damage tourism and economic development in the state.