Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer holds cordial meeting with Obama
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The federal government will deploy the majority of new resources to deal with border security issues, including National Guard troops, in Arizona, the state’s governor said Thursday after meeting with President Obama.
In televised remarks, Gov. Jan Brewer described the meeting as “very, very cordial” even though she and the president have sharp disagreements about Arizona’s new immigration law, which broadens police powers to check on the documents of those suspected of being illegal immigrants. She said the law would help protect people along the border her state shares with Mexico.
“We agreed to try to work together in order to find some solution” to border issues such as immigration and security, Brewer said. “We know we are not going to agree on certain issues until other issues are worked out.”
Brewer said Obama told her that administration aides will go to Arizona to discuss details on how to use $500 million and 1,200 National Guard troops the president wants to deploy along with border with Mexico. She said the majority of those resources would go to Arizona, but details were pending.
“I am encouraged that there will be much better dialogue between the federal government and the state of Arizona,” Brewer said. “I hope that is not wishful thinking. I hope that is positive thinking.”
-- Michael Muskal
