A Casa Grande Republican lawmaker is proposing a measure that would require Governor Katie Hobbs to comply with any federal order issued by President Trump regarding mass deportation of individuals who are not in the country legally.
Rep. Teresa Martinez has introduced legislation that aims to impose the same mandate on Attorney General Kris Mayes.
But in order to establish it as a law in Arizona, she must first obtain Hobbs’ signature on her House Bill 2099. A spokesperson for the Democratic governor, who has expressed willingness to collaborate with Trump on certain immigration matters, chose not to disclose the governor’s intentions regarding the bill if and when it is presented to her.
Mayes, on the other hand, expressed her dissatisfaction with the legislation, stating that she cannot agree to a blanket requirement to comply with whatever Trump wants.
“We will assess the plans of the new administration and react accordingly,” Richie Taylor stated. “However, if these plans contradict the U.S. Constitution and its provisions for rights and guarantees, we will have concerns.”
Mayes has already taken a firm stand, asserting that she will oppose any actions taken by the future president that she believes infringe upon individual rights.
In Martinez’s perspective, the matter is less complicated. She believes that Trump’s triumph in the election, even in Arizona, signifies a clear directive for him to implement the policies he outlined during his campaign. This includes initiating what he had referred to as “the largest deportation operation in American history.”
HB 2099 goes beyond mere compliance with federal law for Hobbs and Mayes.
Instead, the law requires them to actively enforce, administer, and cooperate with federal actions, orders, and programs pertaining to the enforcement of federal immigration laws. This mandate could potentially encompass a wider range of actions than what Congress approves, considering the statements made by Trump regarding his intended unilateral actions.
Martinez, on the other hand, doesn’t see any problem with it.
“I believe that individuals who enter the United States without legal authorization do not possess the right to be in the country,” she expressed her viewpoint.
According to Martinez, illegal immigrants do not possess a fundamental right to reside in the state of Arizona. He firmly believes that they do not have this entitlement.
Martinez does not believe that her legislation violates the Republican philosophy of “states’ rights” and how it supersedes federal law. According to her, HB 2099 would simply involve the state voluntarily complying with Trump’s mandates.
Both Hobbs and Mayes are currently working towards finding a moderate solution for the issue of approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country. This effort is being made in light of Trump’s victory in Arizona and the Democratic losses at the Legislature.
During an interview, Hobbs reportedly declared, “Not on my watch,” in response to inquiries about collaborating with federal mass deportation endeavors, as stated by Martinez.
There is no evidence to suggest that Hobbs used those words, at least not in reference to what Trump has in mind.
Hobbs has made it clear that she has certain limits when it comes to working with the new president. In a recent interview with Capitol Media Services, she stated that she is not willing to use state resources to participate in any misguided efforts that could harm our communities.
In the same interview, the governor skillfully avoided answering questions about her course of action if Trump were to issue orders for the state police and the Arizona National Guard to apprehend individuals who are not here legally.
She said she wouldn’t speculate on the “what if” scenario since there is a lack of specific information regarding his plans and how he intends to execute them.
According to Martinez, the issue isn’t as complex as it may seem.
She emphasized the importance of adhering to federal law, stating, “The bill clearly states that we must obey federal law.”
Martinez stated that her legislation is specifically focused on directing Hobbs, Mayes, and future elected officials. It is important to note that the legislation is narrowly crafted. For instance, while federal law criminalizes the possession of marijuana, Arizona voters have expressed their preference twice that individuals should be permitted to possess and use it. Martinez clarified that she did not propose disregarding all federal laws.
“This bill does not impact the use of marijuana,” she emphasized when discussing the requirement to collaborate and enforce federal laws. “The sole focus of this bill is on immigration.”
According to Martinez, the necessity of the mandate on the governor and the attorney general in HB 2099 cannot be overstated.
According to her, there is a group of Democratic governors who have made a commitment to oppose President Trump in every possible way.
According to Martinez, Gov. Hobbs is among the individuals who are determined to support and assist Donald Trump to the best of their abilities. She emphasized the responsibility of the Republican legislature to stand up for the former president.
According to Martinez, if Hobbs had not made any statement about cooperating with a Trump deportation plan, he would not have felt the need to compel the governor or the AG of Arizona to assist President Trump in immigration actions and orders.
The legislation would require Hobbs and Mayes to cooperate in determining what actions and orders qualify, beyond federal laws that have been officially enacted.
Trump has personally mentioned a 1954 order by then-President Dwight Eisenhower, during which around a million Mexican immigrants, and possibly some U.S. citizens, were rounded up.
Martinez, on the other hand, dismissed queries about whether Hobbs and Mayes would be obligated to adhere to her HB 2099, even if it included a presidential directive that could potentially deny court hearings to those who are detained.
She responded, “You’re discussing things that might not even occur. You’re presenting me with a hypothetical question regarding President Trump’s potential actions.”
According to Martinez, the underlying question at hand is whether individuals who are not in the country legally have an inherent right to be here in the first place.
Martinez clarified that the intention behind this legislation is not to play a political game or create a situation where Republicans can use an anticipated veto against the governor during her reelection campaign in 2026.
Martinez expressed his hope and desire for her to sign it.
In her State of the State speech on Monday, the governor emphasized the significance of the state’s involvement in curbing the influx of illegal drugs across the border.
According to Martinez, if she refuses to sign, it signifies her belief that illegal immigrants or aliens possess an inherent right to reside in the United States. This perspective is deeply ingrained within her.
Martinez does not express concern about family separation. She acknowledges the existence of individuals who are not in the country legally but have given birth to a child in the United States, making the child a U.S. citizen as per the constitutional amendment. However, Martinez firmly believes that this should not serve as justification for allowing the parents to stay.
She stated that if a 2-year-old child has both parents who are undocumented, then the entire family should return to their home country.
Martinez believes that “dreamers,” who were brought to the country illegally as young children but have spent the majority of their lives here, should have the opportunity to obtain permanent legal residency status. However, she proposes that if their parents want to apply for residency, they would need to return to their home country first.