Criticism of Arizona Attorney General’s Comments on ICE Shooting Justifications
The Arizona Police Association has voiced strong disapproval of comments made by Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays, a Democrat, concerning the “legal justification” for actions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
In an interview on January 20, 2026, Mays discussed the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which is considered one of the most comprehensive in Arizona. She remarked, “We have masked federal agents wearing plain clothes and masks, with little to no identification, and in some cases no identification. Our ‘Stand Your Ground’ law allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe their life is in danger while on their property, in their car, or at home.”
Mays also mentioned that while there are “Stand Your Ground” laws in other states, the presence of unidentified, masked individuals complicates matters. She emphasized the significance of proper uniforms, questioning, “You’re not allowed to shoot a peace officer, but… how can you tell if they are a peace officer?”
Following these remarks, the Arizona State Police Association responded in a letter dated January 22, 2026, condemning Mays for what they termed “reckless comments” regarding ICE officers and their public interactions.
Joe Krua, the executive director of the Arizona State Police Association, stated:
During a television interview about ICE’s potential deployment to Arizona, the attorney general was asked if she had any messages for protesters. In response, she encouraged peaceful and respectful demonstrations and claimed she would “protect” the protesters. Yet, the discussion shifted to Arizona’s self-defense and “Stand Your Ground” laws. In this context, Mays described scenarios where there might be legal grounds for shooting law enforcement officers, pointing out that individuals may not easily recognize masked ICE agents.
Krua further noted, “As the chief law enforcement officer of Arizona, the Attorney General should aim to de-escalate situations rather than incite them. These statements are reckless, irresponsible, and pose dangers to the safety of all law enforcement professionals in our state.”
