Fear walks the streets of Phoenix - CNN.com

Fear walks the streets of Phoenix

By Ruben Navarrette Jr., Special to CNN

August 4, 2010 9:03 a.m. EDT

An illegal immigrant is processed by Maricopa County sheriff's deputies July 29.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• New immigration law adds to tension in Arizona, says Ruben Navarrette Jr.
• Illegal immigrants on edge even though judge blocked worse parts of law, he says
• Navarrette: Some have left Arizona in search of a better climate in other states
• Law is polarizing; whites support it strongly and Latinos opposing it, Navarrette says

Editor's note: Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist, an NPR commentator and a regular contributor to CNN.com.

Phoenix, Arizona (CNN) -- It was an ethnic twist on an American classic, the kind of thing that some people consider appealing and others frightening. Pinto beans, diced tomatoes, salsa and jalapenos top a hot dog that's grilled to perfection.

It's 10 o'clock on a Saturday night at ground zero in the immigration debate.

The hot dog vendor, a woman from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, would normally be doing a brisk business. Her cart is across the street from a popular Latino dance club that used to be frequented by Mexican-Americans but is now normally crammed with Mexican immigrants.

No mas.

"The city feels abandoned," the woman tells me in Spanish. "Everyone has left."

It sure looks that way during a drive though the city's predominantly Latino west side, with its abandoned buildings, deserted homes and empty parks.

Fear walks the streets of Phoenix - CNN.com