Senate President Petersen Introduces 'AZ ICE Act' to Ensure State Cooperation with Enforcement of Trump Administration's Immigration Policies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Senate President Petersen Introduces 'AZ ICE Act' to Ensure State Cooperation with Enforcement of Trump Administration's Immigration Policies

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In response to growing public safety concerns from the ongoing border crisis, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is introducing legislation to ensure state cooperation with the Trump Administration's enforcement of federal immigration laws to help protect Arizonans and national security.

The Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act (SB 1164), or the AZ ICE Act, supports the critical need for federal and local law enforcement to work together to end the chaos of former President Biden's open border policies.

Under the AZ ICE Act, county sheriffs' departments and the Arizona Department of Corrections are required to enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government by January 1, 2026, to support enforcement of federal immigration laws. These agreements allow local law enforcement to help identify and process noncitizens who are in local custody for violating laws. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement to comply with immigration detainer requests, preventing criminal illegal aliens from being released back on the streets. The bill also directs funding to law enforcement to ensure that there is sufficient funding in place for implementation.

Illegal immigration at the southwest border has surged since 2021, posing a significant threat to Arizona and the entire nation. Over the past four years, 8.5 million encounters at the border have been recorded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The U.S House Committee on Homeland Security notes this figure does not include 2.2 million known illegal gotaways who evaded law enforcement between ports of entry. Border agents have arrested more than 57,000 individuals, including aliens who have outstanding warrants and criminal convictions, members of violent gangs, as well as members of terrorist organizations. The uncontrolled crisis at the border has not only jeopardized the safety of our citizens but has created a significant financial burden on taxpayers. An estimated 453,000 individuals who are unlawfully present in Arizona have cost taxpayers an astonishing $3.19 billion in 2023 alone.

Congress enacted section 287(g) in 1996 during the Clinton Administration. Under 287(g), local law enforcement agencies enter into agreements with the federal government to perform specified immigration functions. Local officers then receive formal training from the federal government on the scope of these functions.

"Ending the border crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. This commonsense legislation will not only allow federal and local law enforcement to work together to protect our citizens, but it will also prevent government obstruction," said President Petersen. "Arizona voters spoke loud and clear last November. They overwhelmingly approved the 'Secure the Border Act' that Republicans referred to the ballot because they want the law enforced, and they want safe communities. I look forward to the AZ ICE Act passing the Legislature, and I'm hopeful the Governor will listen to our citizens by signing the bill when it hits her desk."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus kquintero@azleg.gov