Thaindian News

June 28, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): The governor of the state of Arizona, suddenly found herself being shrouded by controversy after her controversial ‘drug mule’ comment. She used the term to refer to the narcotic trade being carried out illegally by cartels. She made this comment at a press conference on Friday while trying to explain the dangers of turning a blind eye to illegal immigration.

Jan Brewer has been the governor of the state for just over a year now. She had also been an avid supporter of the illegal immigrant law which requires all immigrants to possess valid documents at all times, on their persons. She had been one of the leaders who had seen the act ‘Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.’ passed into law.

The state of Arizona had been at the receiving end for its immigrant policies from the US government recently. Brewer’s comment stirred up yet another hornet’s nest on Friday.

The governor had repeatedly said that the illegal immigrants come in search of work and ultimately become victims of drug cartel. “They are breaking the law of the state as well as trespassing,” she added. “Their backpacks are usually full of Marijuana as well as other drugs which they are bringing into the state across the border,” is what she said.

The governor’s office has maintained silence on the issue so far. However, according to the Oscar Martinez, a professor in Arizona, she would have to come up with hard core evidence to support her ‘drug mule’ theory. Or else just shut up! Said the academic.