Conover Urges Pima Officials to Demand Federal Papers Amid Deportation Crackdown

Pima County officials are urged to exercise caution when federal agents seek access to county facilities. County Attorney Laura Conover advised county representatives this week to request warrants and identification before complying with any requests from federal agents during non-emergency situations. This guidance comes in response to heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

Conover’s recommendation was delivered via a memo from County Administrator Jan Lesher, which circulated among top county staff and the Board of Supervisors. The memo stressed the need to verify the legitimacy of federal agents’ requests through official documentation. “I want to be as helpful and cooperative as I can with any lawful orders,” Conover stated. “My instructions require me to quickly get a copy of your warrant and any paperwork you have, as well as your full credentials including name, agency, and badge number.” Lesher suggested printing this guidance in large type for display in reception areas across county offices.

This advisory arrives as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to apprehend undocumented immigrants. Federal agencies reported nearly 1,000 arrests over a recent weekend, although these figures do not always indicate immediate deportation. Heightened scrutiny accompanies the administration’s decision to abandon prior guidelines that shielded certain locations, such as schools and hospitals, from immigration enforcement.

Local officials, including those from the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), publicly assert their non-cooperation with such federal operations. Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo emphasized that TUSD will require valid judicial warrants and identification from immigration officers seeking access to school campuses. “We will not be granting access to law enforcement officers without the appropriate identification and a valid judicial warrant,” Trujillo stated, reaffirming the district’s commitment to lawful conduct.

Tucson officials reiterated their police department’s stance, clarifying that immigration enforcement is not within their jurisdiction. “All of TPD’s law enforcement activities are carried out to protect the civil rights of everyone in Tucson,” said city officials. Following the controversial SB 1070 law, TPD updated its protocols accordingly, ensuring immigration status queries would not be conducted during routine interactions with the public.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos echoed these sentiments, stating that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction. “That’s not our job; that’s a federal problem,” he remarked. Sheriff Nanos acknowledged community fears regarding immigration arrests, advocating for a balanced approach from the federal government.

As these developments unfold, local leaders emphasize the importance of community awareness regarding rights related to immigration enforcement. Organizations such as the Catholic Diocese of Tucson and the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona are stepping in to provide resources and training on these issues.