Arizona Senate Republicans are taking steps to ensure that state public safety agencies are effectively collaborating with federal immigration authorities during ongoing raids and enforcement operations in major cities across the United States.
Arizona Senate President Warren Peterson recently proposed a new legislation that aims to make it mandatory for county sheriffs’ offices and the Arizona Department of Corrections to establish 287(g) agreements with the federal government by January 1, 2026.
The agreement aims to grant U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement the authority to assign officers to carry out specific immigration officer responsibilities. This move is intended to streamline and expedite the process of deporting undocumented immigrants, specifically those with criminal backgrounds, who are to be expelled from the United States prior to their release from custody.
“An all-hands-on-deck approach is necessary to put an end to the border crisis,” stated Senator Petersen. He believes that this sensible legislation will not only enable federal and local law enforcement to collaborate in safeguarding our citizens but will also hinder any government obstruction.”
Currently, the state prisons in Arizona have an agreement known as the “Jail Enforcement Model.” This agreement enables law enforcement officials to identify and process individuals who are noncitizens, have criminal charges, and are eligible for removal.
Law enforcement must comply with immigration detainer requests, and the law also mandates increased funding to ensure effective implementation of this requirement.
“Last November, Arizona voters sent a resounding message. They wholeheartedly supported the ‘Secure the Border Act’ that was put forth by Republicans, emphasizing the need for law enforcement and safe communities. Sen. Peterson expressed enthusiasm for the potential passage of the AZ ICE Act in the Legislature, and expressed hope that the governor would heed the voices of the citizens and sign the bill when it reaches her desk.”
The Trump administration has reversed a memo issued during the Biden era that banned ICE from conducting enforcement actions in and around “sensitive” locations such as schools, churches, and shelters.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decided to discontinue its plans to grant parole authority to migrants in certain cases.
Several large U.S. cities have recently witnessed a series of reported immigration raids, which has prompted the introduction of this bill.
According to a recent report by the Associated Press, federal immigration officers are currently focusing their efforts on over 300 individuals who have committed serious and violent crimes. Although the city of Phoenix hasn’t been explicitly mentioned, these authorities are actively pursuing individuals with a history of egregious criminal behavior.
According to Tom Homan, the border czar appointed by Trump, federal authorities are planning to make arrests in various locations across the country, including Chicago.
“We will remove the restrictions on ICE and allow them to apprehend criminal aliens. That is our plan,” Homan stated confidently. “We are instructing ICE to enforce immigration law without any hesitation. Their priority will be to target individuals who pose a threat to public safety, but no one who is in the country illegally will be exempt.”
In November, Arizonans gave their approval to Proposition 314, which is also referred to as the Secure the Border Act. This act grants local and state policing agencies increased authority to enforce immigration law.