Arizona Democrats Rally Against Deportations: A Bold Legislative Discussion

By Staff Reporter |

On Monday, Arizona lawmakers and activists convened at South Mountain Community College to discuss growing anti-deportation measures in the state. The panel titled “Resisting Mass Deportation” featured notable speakers including State Senator Catherine Miranda (D-LD11) and State Representative Brian Garcia (D-LD08), alongside representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona and Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA).

The event, organized by the ACLU and LUCHA, addressed escalating concerns over new legislation that could accelerate deportation processes. “Trump’s mass deportation agenda has oversaturated the news,” stated the ACLU, emphasizing the moral implications of such policies. Moreover, they criticized Arizona’s legislature for advancing anti-immigrant bills which they argue compromise the rights and humanity of individuals.

Central to the discussion was SB1164, referred to as the “Arizona ICE Act.” This proposed legislation would empower local officials to establish partnerships with federal agencies aimed at enforcing immigration laws. Critics warn that this bill could lead to racial profiling and discrimination, particularly against Hispanic, Latino, and immigrant communities. Miranda, co-chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, denounced the bill’s potential to undermine public safety.

Despite concerns from lawmakers like Miranda, the House Government Committee advanced SB1164 last week. Miranda expressed hope that Governor Katie Hobbs would veto the legislation, citing past experiences with similar enforcement strategies as detrimental to community trust.

Governor Hobbs faces a critical stance; her non-support for the bill contradicts recent initiatives aimed at tightening border security through an executive order to form Operation Desert Guardian. This task force aims to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement to combat transnational crime.

In a recent interview, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels noted that the effectiveness of border enforcement initiatives is evident, stating, “Whether you like Trump or not, it’s irrelevant. It’s working.”