287(g)
Bill Mandates Collaboration Between Sheriffs, State Prisons, and Federal Immigration Authorities
Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has proposed a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement across Arizona. On Tuesday, he introduced SB1164, also known as the Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act (AZ ICE).
The bill mandates that county sheriff departments and the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry enter into 287(g) agreements with federal authorities by January 1, 2026. This collaboration would enable local law enforcement to identify and process individuals who have entered the U.S. illegally while in custody for other offenses.
In a press release, Senate Republicans detailed that the proposed legislation would require law enforcement to comply with immigration detainer requests, restricting the release of individuals back onto the streets. Petersen remarked, “Ending the border crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. This commonsense legislation will enable federal and local law enforcement to work together to protect our citizens.”
Further elaborating on the public sentiment regarding immigration policy, Petersen noted that Arizona voters have made their preferences clear by overwhelmingly supporting the “Secure the Border Act” in the previous November elections. He expressed confidence in the AZ ICE Act’s passage through the Legislature and anticipates the Governor will support the bill.
The 287(g) program allows state law enforcement to perform duties akin to those of federal immigration officers, provided they comply with all laws. This may involve a Jail Enforcement Model, wherein officers can interrogate detained individuals perceived to be noncitizens about their immigration status, or a Warrant Service Officer model, which trains local law enforcement to execute warrants on individuals flagged by ICE.
While Petersen has not provided specific cost estimates for implementing the new law, he remains optimistic that adequate resources will be allocated to support law enforcement efforts. Currently, several sheriff’s offices in Arizona, including La Paz and Yavapai counties, already participate in Jail Enforcement Model agreements with ICE.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which previously was part of the 287(g) program, is currently unable to enforce immigration laws due to a federal court order stemming from past allegations of racial profiling and civil rights violations under Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
This development in Arizona’s immigration enforcement landscape continues to evolve as local and federal authorities seek effective ways to address the ongoing challenges.
Capitol Times reporters Reagan Priest and Kiera Riley contributed to this report.