Exclusive: Arizona border counties are under scrutiny as they consider multiple ordinances targeting ICE, following a directive from state Senate leadership to review them. Pima County, which encompasses Tucson, has instructed officials to deny immigration enforcement officers access to county property unless they possess a judicial warrant. Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) shared with Fox News Digital that House Resolution SB1487 will provide a 30-day period for Attorney General Mays to evaluate whether Pima County has breached state law or the U.S. Constitution.
Petersen, alongside Senate President TJ Schopf and Senate Majority Leader John Kavanaugh, expressed concerns that Democrats, like those in Pima County, are advancing “radical political agendas over public safety.” He argued that instead of aiding law enforcement, these actions hinder crime fighting efforts, allowing criminals to linger in communities.
The Senate leadership indicated that based on Mays’ assessment, counties might face a requirement to modify their policies, potential loss of state revenue, or even have the matter referred to the Arizona Supreme Court. “This ensures that laws are consistently applied throughout Arizona,” stated Shope. “When a single county opts to misbehave, it disrupts enforcement efforts across the state.” He noted that citizens expect cooperation among different government levels, not actions that impede law enforcement.
Kavanaugh also criticized Mays for her confrontational approach towards DHS and ICE, raising doubts about her ability to impartially assess the matter. “Given her history and public stance against immigration enforcement, I have serious concerns about her objectivity in this case. This goes beyond a policy discussion; the law is explicit and must be adhered to,” Kavanaugh remarked.
Mays has attracted attention for her comments in recent months, including claims that ICE’s conduct might breach the Standing Act. She stated in January, “I will not hold back from criticizing the Trump administration’s misuse of power and its impact on our Constitution.” Following a shooting incident involving DHS in Minnesota, Mays contended that “right-wing media” misrepresented her views, stressing that she sees ICE as posing a “danger to public safety.”
A spokesperson for Mays responded to the criticism by stating that while President Trump promised to tackle drug cartels, the administration has actually redirected federal agents away from drug enforcement, which primarily targets immigrant workers. “Attorney General Mays will focus on the genuine dangers to public safety: drug traffickers flooding Arizona with fentanyl and other illegal substances,” the spokesperson said.
Pima County officials provided justification for their actions, indicating that recent immigration operations by DHS and ICE have violated civil rights and endangered lives, leading to fatalities among detainees and peaceful demonstrators. Supervisor Jennifer Allen defended the county’s stance, asserting, “The county’s actions address serious abuses by federal agents across the nation. If scrutiny is warranted, it should be directed toward DHS, not the county.” She reassured that law enforcement, with the proper authorization, will still have access to Pima properties.
Meanwhile, Supervisor Steve Christie, the sole Republican on the board, opposed the resolution that’s now facing Senate pushback. Additionally, a resolution to prohibit immigration enforcement officers from wearing face coverings has passed, though the specifics on enforcement are still being developed.
