Hobbs Stands Firm Against GOP Bill Mandating Arizona’s Support for Trump Deportations

Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed 35 bills on May 12, including a notable measure that would have compelled every government level in Arizona to align with former President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts. This latest round of vetoes brings her total for the year to 124, surpassing the 73 vetoes from 2022, and she rapidly approaches the record 143 vetoes set in 2023.

In her veto letter regarding Senate Bill 1088, Hobbs reiterated her commitment to the U.S. and Arizona constitutions. “Arizonans, not Washington, D.C. politicians, must decide what’s best for Arizona,” she stated. The governor emphasized her cooperative efforts with federal authorities to enhance border security, highlighting successful initiatives that have curtailed fentanyl trafficking and disrupted local cartel activities.

SB1088 intended to mandate cooperation from all Arizona governments and their contractors with federal immigration agencies. It proposed allowing any legislator to compel the attorney general to investigate perceived law violations by government entities, also granting citizens the right to seek judicial enforcement.

Notably, this requirement would only be in effect during Trump’s presidency, designed to self-repeal at the end of 2028, just before the next president’s inauguration. Hobbs characterized the proposal as more symbolic than effective, focusing on performance rather than practical safety measures for Arizonans.

“I will continue to work with the federal government on true border security, but we should not force state officials to take marching orders from Washington, D.C.,” she affirmed, pledging to prioritize tangible outcomes for Arizona residents.

In response, Republican Senator Jake Hoffman, the sponsor of SB1088, criticized Hobbs for her veto, labeling her a “radical leftist” who endorses open-border policies. “There is no logical justification for Hobbs’ veto on this reasonable bill,” he declared, accusing her of bowing to a radical ideology.

Hobbs has consistently rejected similar Republican initiatives aimed at compelling Arizona governments to act in alignment with Trump’s immigration strategies. Recent vetoes include proposals requiring cooperation with federal mass deportation efforts and mandates involving immigration enforcement in schools.

On May 12, Hobbs vetoed a range of additional bills, including measures on public schools, voter registration, and firearm transaction regulations. A comprehensive list of the vetoed bills was also released.