Arizona Sheriffs Push Back Against Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, But Arpaio Claims Tough Tactics Deliver Results

Arizona sheriffs’ involvement in President Trump’s immigration policies remains uncertain, with many agencies indicating a reluctance to engage. Graham County Sheriff Preston Allred stated, “We’re not going to go out and actively try to hunt people down.” This sentiment was echoed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who emphasized that involvement in migration enforcement is outside their responsibilities.

Trump’s promise to detain and deport approximately 11 million undocumented individuals has drawn mixed reactions. Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his stringent measures, argued that laws must be enforced. In contrast, his past actions have drawn scrutiny; he was pardoned by Trump in 2017 for defying a federal judge’s order related to racial profiling.

Advocates for migrants have raised alarm over the potential for an erosion of trust between local communities and law enforcement. José Patiño, of the advocacy group Aliento, expressed concern that local law enforcement involvement in immigration enforcement breeds fear within the community. “To me it’s another way for distrust in local communities and police to boom,” he noted.

Several sheriffs share these concerns. Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund expressed that involvement in federal immigration policies might deter individuals from seeking police assistance. In response, Arizona Republicans are pushing legislative measures to mandate cooperation from county sheriffs. A bill proposed last week would require law enforcement agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Currently, only four jurisdictions in Arizona have formal agreements with ICE regarding immigration enforcement. La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce confirmed their willingness to house detainees, while Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple highlighted that cooperation doesn’t mean an obligation to carry out immigration arrests.

While Arizona’s sheriffs are not accountable to federal directives, they are subject to state laws. Angela Banks, a law professor at Arizona State University, clarified that local agencies operate independently from federal government mandates unless formal agreements exist.

In Pima County, Sheriff Nanos is open to supporting Border Patrol operations but insists that his department will not take on their responsibilities. “We will assist them, of course,” he said, maintaining the stance that local law enforcement should not handle immigration duties directly.

Meanwhile, Proposition 314, which criminalizes illegal border crossing, may amplify the sheriffs’ workload. Passed by voters with nearly two-thirds support, its implementation to allow state judges to order deportations faces legal challenges. Sheriffs have expressed reservations about enforcing this proposition, recognizing the concerns that led to its approval.

The ACLU of Arizona has also criticized Proposition 314, warning it could incite discrimination against immigrants. Several sheriffs stated that the measure gives them some discretion in enforcement, unlike the current push towards mandatory federal immigration law compliance.

Recently, the state House Committee approved a bill aimed at boosting funding for border security initiatives, although many sheriffs, like Nanos, continue to resist involvement in immigration enforcement. “The Trump administration knows full well that ICE doesn’t have that capacity to accomplish the plan that the administration wants,” said Patiño, highlighting the impracticality of the proposed deportations.

The historic context remains significant; under Arpaio’s administration, methods including racial profiling led to widespread lawsuits and court supervision. The current sheriff, Jerry Sheridan, has distanced himself from these practices, asserting a commitment to avoid enforcing Proposition 314.

As Arizona navigates the complexities of immigration enforcement, local sheriffs are balancing community safety with their obligations, steering clear of the heavy-handed tactics of the past.