Conover Urges ICE to Obtain Warrants Before Raiding Pima County Facilities

Pima County officials are taking steps to safeguard employees against potential overreach by federal immigration agents. County Attorney Laura Conover issued a legal memo advising employees to ensure they are protected from “unauthorized interference” as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement. This memo, initially privileged, was made public following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors.

Conover’s memo emphasizes a proactive approach should federal agents attempt to enter county buildings. She recommends a large-print notice at entrances stating that immigration agents must present a valid warrant and identification before gaining access. This advice aligns with growing concerns about the impact of federal immigration policies under the new administration.

In her analysis, Conover addresses two critical questions: whether federal agents can access Pima County facilities and whether county directors can prevent such access in scenarios involving employees protected under DACA. She asserts that while agents can seek entry in emergencies or with valid judicial warrants, employees should not physically obstruct agents. Instead, they are advised to request verification of credentials and warrants.

Conover warns county employees to differentiate between judicial warrants and administrative warrants, the latter lacking sufficient legal backing. Judicial warrants require probable cause and can be challenged in court. This distinction could be pivotal in protecting against unlawful practices by immigration officers, as detailed in her memo.

In response to rising immigration arrests, which federal officials claim reached nearly 1,000 recently, local leaders have voiced their commitment to upholding the rights of residents. Tucson Unified School District has announced a policy demanding judicial warrants before any federal immigration intervention on school grounds. Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo affirmed their approach is to comply with the law while safeguarding students’ rights.

In alignment with these principles, Tucson city officials reiterated their stance against immigration enforcement as part of local policing. The Tucson Police Department operates under guidelines that protect the civil rights of residents, and officers will not inquire about immigration status during consensual engagements.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos echoed similar sentiments, stating that immigration enforcement is not within his deputies’ jurisdiction. He expressed concern about the climate of fear surrounding immigration arrests and emphasized that his department’s policies remain unchanged, focusing on community safety rather than political agendas.

As the federal government intensifies immigration enforcement efforts, Pima County officials are striving to strike a balance between complying with lawful orders and protecting the rights of local employees and residents.