Tough Immigration Bill Demands Local Officials to Back Federal Initiatives

The Arizona Senate approved House Bill 2099 on April 9, compelling state officials, including the governor and attorney general, to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. This bill aligns with a growing agenda among state Republicans, responding to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and recent legislative changes, such as Proposition 314, which criminalizes illegal entry into the U.S.

The bill passed along party lines, backed solely by Republican votes, and is set to expire on January 20, 2029. Its approval coincided with comments from Tom Homan, a key figure in the Trump administration’s immigration strategy, who addressed state lawmakers the previous day. Homan underscored the administration’s commitment to swiftly deport illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups swiftly opposed the legislation, citing concerns about racial profiling and inadequate due process for those already subject to deportation. During a Senate hearing, all 13 Democratic senators expressed apprehension, recounting experiences of immigrants who had no criminal history yet faced deportation, as well as stories of students detained and stripped of their visas.

Senator Catherine Miranda, representing Laveen, highlighted the case of Marlon Parris, a U.S. Army veteran detained shortly after Trump’s inauguration. Parris, who had previously served time for a non-violent offense, received assurances from federal officials that he would not be deported.

Miranda criticized HB2099 for fostering division, stating, “This approach could undermine efforts for a more humane immigration system.”

Senator Theresa Hatathlie from Coal Mine Canyon shared a troubling account of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student detained in Boston for expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Hatathlie emphasized the necessity of due process, stating, “These individuals are not being provided due process, which is fundamental to our legal system.”

Senator Brian Fernandez from Yuma echoed these sentiments, recalling the story of Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney, held in an immigration facility in his district. He expressed concern that the legislation could dismantle trust established between local law enforcement and the community, saying, “This bill will destroy that in one moment.”

In contrast, Republicans cited the case of Laken Riley, a nursing student from Georgia, murdered in February 2024. Her killer, a Venezuelan man, entered the U.S. illegally and received a life sentence. Senator Janae Shamp of Surprise defended HB2099, arguing that adherence to national laws is essential to uphold America’s principles—“The reason we are the land of opportunity is because we are a land of law.”