Senate Republicans Pass "AZ ICE Act" to Protect Arizonans and National Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Senate Republicans Pass "AZ ICE Act" to Protect Arizonans and National Security

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— A bill to keep Arizona communities safe by ensuring state cooperation with the Trump Administration's enforcement of federal immigration laws is now headed to the House for consideration after passing the Senate today with full Republican support.

Sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen, the AZ ICE Act (SB 1164), prohibits state governmental entities from adopting or enforcing any policies that block or restrict law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities to enforce federal immigration laws. If cities, towns, or counties fail to comply, state lawmakers may file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General requesting an investigation, also known as a 1487. If the Attorney General's investigation reveals state law was violated, then state-shared revenues may be withheld from cities and towns until compliance.

"Arizonans are looking to their leaders to protect them from the dangers of illegal immigration, and the state legislature is again answering the call," said President Petersen. "It is vital that Arizona law enforcement agencies are unleashed to join the Trump administration's valiant efforts to secure our border and safeguard our communities. As Arizonans know, this issue of illegal immigration isn't political in nature, and all government officials must do the right thing to defend lives and livelihoods of all people they represent. I'm grateful for the input we received for this legislation from local law enforcement around the state and for the support from my colleagues in the Legislature. I'm hopeful that Governor Hobbs is listening to her constituents and will sign this bill when it reaches her desk."

The bill also requires County Sheriffs and the Department of Corrections to comply with immigration detainer requests, preventing criminal illegal aliens from being released back on the streets. Law enforcement may also enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government to help support this important mission.

"The Arizona Sheriffs thank the Senators who voted to support President Petersen’s AZ ICE Act," said Arizona Sheriffs' Association President and Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes. "Our deputies work tirelessly to ensure the rule of law will be enforced. Communities will be kept safer when this law is passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor."

###

For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov