Iced Tea Party: George Lopez Stirs Up AriZona Controversy

Comedian George Lopez chimed in on the controversial Arizona immigration law via Twitter this week, writing that he "went to buy a AriZona Iced Tea - they asked me for my documentation. So I bought HORCHATA instead!"

The joke made waves on Twitter and was retweeted so many times the tea brand became a trending topic.

Execs at the New York-based company scrambled for damage control, responding to Lopez's tweet, saying "We're BIG fans! Just wanted to let you know that AriZona is and always has been a NY company and would (heart) to send you some tea!"

Zealous protesters across the country are boycotting the beverage company in an effort to protest Arizona's immigration law, even though the company is headquartered 20 miles east of New York City.

The controversial measure, which was signed into law last week, requires local and state cops to question people about their immigration status if they are suspected of being illegal immigrants. Critics have panned the law, saying it will lead to racial profiling and unnecessary detentions. Two lawsuits have been filed challenging the legality of the bill.

AriZona's founder and Chairman Don Vultaggio recently posted a letter online called "AriZona's from New York" in an effort to distance itself from the law many have called unconstitutional, including Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.

"We have become aware of misinformation being circulated about AriZona Beverages and we would like to make sure statements about our company are correct," Vultaggio's letter read. "As many of you know, AriZona Beverages proudly traces its origins back to New York. In 1992, two hard working guys from Brooklyn with a dream created AriZona Iced Tea. . .For the last 16 years our headquarters have remained on Long Island where we continue to sell and distribute AriZona Iced Teas and beverages." 

Shakira and Linda Rondstadt are in Arizona today, leading rallies against the new law.

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