NV group seeks Ariz. boycott over immigration law

RENO - A Nevada group is pressing the cities of Reno and Las Vegas to support a boycott of Arizona over its sweeping new immigration law.

The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada wants the city councils to reject any new contracts with Arizona-based companies to protest the law.

"I think our local government should not use our tax dollars to help support the economy of a state that endorses racial profiling," said Bob Fulkerson, director of the Reno-based group.

Reno City Councilman Dave Aiazzi questioned whether the request would have any practical effect.

"I don't know if we do any business with Arizona-based companies," he said Monday. "This request is just PR and nothing more."

Reno Mayor Bob Cashell did not return phone calls.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman could not be reached for comment Monday. He has said the law could lead to harassment and searches similar to those in totalitarian countries.

The law requires that police conducting traffic stops or questioning people about possible legal violations ask them about their immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" that they're in the country illegally.

Critics of the law, set to take effect July 29, say it unfairly targets Hispanics and could lead to racial profiling. Proponents insist racial profiling will not be tolerated.

About 50 people staged a protest over the law Saturday night outside the ballpark of the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Reno Aces spokesman T.J. Lasita said the club would not take a position on the law.

"It is our belief that sports and politics should not mix," he said. "We are associated with a diverse group of players, fans, owners and employees who all hold different thoughts, feelings and philosophies."

PLAN community organizer Mario DelaRosa said his group's request would not affect any existing city contracts with Arizona-based companies.

"We're not asking locals to boycott the Reno Aces because we know that (minor league baseball) is something good for the local economy," he said.

Among cities that have passed resolutions or urged boycotts to protest the law are Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Austin, Texas.