Arizona Cancels U.S.-Mexico Border Governors Conference After Boycott Threatened

Offended by SB 1070, which is expected to lead to racial profiling of Latino residents, Mexico's border governors informed Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer of their intention to boycott the annual U.S.-Mexico Border Governors Conference scheduled to take place in her state. Rather than give them the satisfaction, Brewer threw a temper tantrum and canceled the conference. So the governors of California, and New Mexico want to have a border governors party in another location, and they don't so much care if Brewer skips it.

Now in its 28th year, the Border Governors Conference has provided an important venue in which leaders in the United States and Mexico can meet up, shoot the breeze, and discuss intricate problems related to the border that runs along all their jurisdictions. The New York Times reports that previous conferences have resulted in "agreements to share intelligence on gun trafficking, exchange information on the H1N1 virus and lobby the governors’ respective federal governments to improve border crossing infrastructure and procedures and commerce."

As the threat decision to boycott Arizona and Brewer's retaliation demonstrates, the passage of SB 1070 has strained relations with Mexico. President Felipe Calderón has vocally criticized unfair racial targeting and harassment of Mexican citizens, many of whom enter the U.S. for work or pleasure legally. Concerns over racial profiling and arrests of people unable to provide "papers" also led Mexican universities to cancel upcoming exchange programs with Arizona, citing an inability to guarantee their students' safety. University of Arizona President Robert Shelton expressed regret, but understanding, stating, "Along with you, we believe that our legislature has reached too far in this matter."

While Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California are gung-ho to have the conference take place despite Brewer's cancellation, it depends on whether logistical factors for a new location can be sorted out in time for the September date. Texas is skeptical that this can be done.

Ironically, if Arizona Gov. Brewer is really so concerned about border violence and drug trafficking, she should want to do everything in her power to make certain that the gathering actually happens. As past conferences have yielded productive results, it is unfortunate that a discriminatory law that will distract police while failing to protect against dangerous criminals should derail the discussion. Drug, gun, and human trafficking represent serious problems that require collaboration on both sides of the border. I want our nation's governors focused on addressing those concerns in an effective manner, working alongside, not against, Mexican authorities.

Photo credit: Omar Omar