Independent Lens

The State of Arizona

This topical documentary captures the explosive emotions and complex realities behind Arizona’s headline-grabbing struggle with illegal immigration. Tracking the year after Arizona passes SB1070, its controversial “papers please” law, the film tells the stories of Arizonans on all sides of this divisive issue and depicts a state and its people testing the edges of our democratic values.

Coming to Independent Lens: The State of Arizona

1m 54s

This topical documentary captures the explosive emotions and complex realities behind Arizona’s headline-grabbing struggle with illegal immigration. Tracking the year after Arizona passes SB1070, its controversial “papers please” law, the film tells the stories of Arizonans on all sides of this divisive issue and depicts a state and its people testing the edges of our democratic values.

Previews + Extras

  • The State of Arizona - See the Preview : asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The State of Arizona - See the Preview

    S15 E10 - 29s

    This topical documentary captures the explosive emotions and complex realities behind Arizona’s headline-grabbing struggle with illegal immigration. Tracking the year after Arizona passes SB1070, its controversial “papers please” law, the film tells the stories of Arizonans on all sides of this divisive issue and depicts a state and its people testing the edges of our democratic values.

  • The State of Arizona: Salvador Reza Tracks Sheriffs Pulling : asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The State of Arizona: Salvador Reza Tracks Sheriffs Pulling

    S15 E10 - 2m 10s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary The State of Arizona, activist Salvador Reza, a founder of the Puente Movement, tracks the Sheriff department pulling over and interrogating Latinos on suspicion of being illegal immigrants. Reza and his associates use cameras to film the activity, while he also talks about SB1070 being the “287(g) [Agreement] on steroids.”

  • The State of Arizona: Russell Pearce Rallies a Crowd: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The State of Arizona: Russell Pearce Rallies a Crowd

    S15 E10 - 2m 22s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary The State of Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio rallies an outdoors pro-SB1070 crowd, citing murders along the border and how he feels he has the Founding Fathers on his side. Meanwhile, frustrated anti-SB1070 activists like Jorge Martinez meet to discuss strategy.

  • The State of Arizona: Sheriff Joe Debates Journalist During : asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The State of Arizona: Sheriff Joe Debates Journalist During

    S15 E10 - 2m 15s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary The State of Arizona, controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks to reporters during a raid of a fast food restaurant checking for illegal immigrants, where he’s challenged by a journalist about the operation. Meanwhile, patrons debate whether or not illegal immigrants should be allowed to work there.

  • The State of Arizona: A Wall Goes Up: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The State of Arizona: A Wall Goes Up

    S15 E10 -

    In this video extra from the Independent Lens documentary The State of Arizona, Rudy Peña, a fifth generation of Mexican descent, reflects on a surprising divide within the Latino community. He talks about his family history and how he feels ostracized by newer Mexican immigrants because he doesn’t speak Spanish and doesn’t feel the way they do.

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