But after Gov. Jan Brewer signed a tough immigration bill that would make it a crime to illegally be in Arizona, Gutierrez is worried enough about repercussions, especially for his eldest son, that he has found a job in another state.

The measure requires that people be able to prove their immigration status on the the spot to police or face arrest. Police must make a “reasonable attempt” to determine legal status during any lawful “stop, detention or arrest.”

The stepped-up enforcement requirement and the criminalization of illegal status has Gutierrez feeling spooked.

“I feel helpless,” he said about the law, scheduled to take effect in late July. “Our brothers are our brothers. If they hurt, I hurt.”

Arizona’s bishops have spoken out against the law, saying federal legislation is necessary to address the complex problems of illegal immigration and that the state’s attempt to delve into immigration enforcement “would lead to racial profiling, community distrust and a pervasive fear among immigrants.” At least five lawsuits have been filed seeking to stop the law from taking effect, arguing, among other points, that it unconstitutionally seeks to supersede federal law and invites racial profiling.

Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted in his column in The Catholic Sun, the diocesan newspaper, called for a spirit of brotherly love in the debate and said, “Without immediate action by the federal government, good people on all sides of this issue will continue to suffer needlessly.”

Many people are feeling panicked, according to Imelda Flores, Hispanic ministry director at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Mesa.

“We’ve received many calls from people who are undocumented, but whose adolescent children are citizens,” she said. “They’re worried about what their children will do if they’re deported.”

Delia Salvatierra, an immigration attorney, is urging families with undocumented members to have plans in case someone is arrested or deported.

“Families need to know what to do if someone is in detention,” Salvatierra said. “You need to act quickly. Timing is crucial.”

Father Charlie Goraieb, pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa, celebrated a Mass of consolation and hope three days after the bill was signed.

“There was no room. It was like Ash Wednesday,” he said. In his homily, he spoke of the value the Catholic Church recognized in the presence of immigrants in Arizona — documented or not.

“They feel very wounded by this, and many people are planning on leaving,” Father Goraieb said, adding that most are waiting to see if the law is actually implemented.

Connie Anderson of Valley Interfaith Project said some of the churches that the group works with are reporting attendance down by as much as one-third.

“Many people act as though they’re under house arrest,” she said. “Going to the store is a scary prospect because they’ve heard the sheriff will be doing more roundups.”