By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Fresh from a trip to Arizona, Republican Congressional candidate John Loughlin on Thursday criticized the Obama administration for filing suit against the state of Arizona over its soon-to-be implemented immigration law.

Loughlin is seeking the 1st District seat of departing Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy.

The controversial Arizona law would make failure to carry immigration documents a state crime, and give police broad power to detain anyone they suspect anyone of being in the country illegally. It is slated to take effect at the end of the month.

"This is an appalling waste of taxpayer dollars," Loughlin said in a news release. "If the federal government did its job, secured the borders appropriately and made sure there would be no economic reward for entering this country illegally, Arizona would not have been forced into action."

Loughlin said in the news release that he recently returned from a trip to Arizona during which he took a helicopter tour over Pinal County with a local sheriff, and "walked the border" with a Cochise County sheriff.

"I have seen the problem firsthand and understand the frustration that forced Arizona lawmakers to act," Loughlin said.

More: Rhode Islanders to protest Arizona law at Boston rally.