Az GOP Lawmakers Push Bill for ICE Collaboration Ahead of Hobbs’ Expected Veto

Arizona’s Republican lawmakers have advanced a controversial proposal aimed at increasing state cooperation with federal immigration authorities, primarily Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senate Bill 1164, known as the Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, passed the GOP-dominated House of Representatives late last week, but Governor Katie Hobbs has signaled her intention to veto it.

This legislation, if enacted, would mandate law enforcement agencies across Arizona to engage more proactively with ICE, particularly in deportation proceedings. Such measures have been met with fierce opposition from civil rights groups and Democratic legislators, who argue that they risk reintroducing elements of racial profiling and reflect a return to the state’s infamous Senate Bill 1070, known for its stringent immigration enforcement.

“This bill is SB1070 in a new outfit,” said Democratic Representative Quantá Crews, emphasizing her opposition during the vote. Critics assert that it compels local officers to act not as protectors but as agents of federal immigration policy.

Proponents, including Republican lawmakers, argue that the bill is designed to support ICE’s mission by swiftly removing individuals suspected of being unlawfully present in the country. Representative Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, remarked, “Cooperating with ICE ensures that criminals in our jails are handled appropriately.”

Despite these claims, the legislation has sparked a broader debate about civil liberties and due process. Many individuals in county jails are merely accused of crimes and have not been convicted, which raises significant ethical concerns about detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status.

The current legislative session has seen an uptick in aggressive immigration bills as the Republican majority seeks to leverage its power. Notably, the Secure Border Act established strict regulations against crossings at unauthorized locations along the southern border, further intensifying the immigration discourse.

Opposing this growth in anti-immigrant legislation, Governor Hobbs remains firm in her stance. She has criticized the Arizona ICE Act as ineffective public policy. In her view, collaborating with law enforcement on comprehensive border security solutions is more beneficial than imposing new mandates that restrict local autonomy.

Although her veto is anticipated, Republicans, led by Senate President Warren Petersen, maintain hope that the Governor may reconsider. Petersen articulated his stance, suggesting a rejection would betray the interests of Arizonans, focusing on the perceived failures of the current federal administration regarding immigration.

The Arizona ICE Act not only requires local law enforcement to comply with ICE detainers but also limits elected officials’ ability to establish local immigration policies. Current municipal ordinances, including those in Phoenix that restrict cooperation with ICE, could be overruled, raising concerns among community leaders.

Should the act be signed into law, non-compliance could lead to scrutiny and investigations initiated by the Arizona Attorney General. Local police departments and municipalities would face consequences, with citizens encouraged to report any perceived failures to cooperate with federal guidelines.

The proposal’s future remains uncertain, as it requires resources for enforcement that the state’s budget may struggle to accommodate. Previous initiatives, like the Secure Border Act, have faced legal and financial challenges due to similar oversights in funding. As Arizona moves into a potential ballot initiative phase, the implications of increased enforcement policy on communities are likely to be a central concern.