Top Senate Republicans Challenge Illegal Anti-ICE Measure, Demand Fair Review from Attorney General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 6, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Top Senate Republicans are taking action against Pima County's newly adopted resolution that blocks federal immigration enforcement from using county property. Today, Senate President Warren Petersen, President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, and Majority Leader John Kavanagh filed a formal complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office to stop it.
Pima County's resolution directs employees not to assist federal immigration officers, bars agents from using county facilities, and requires a judicial warrant for access, even though federal law allows immigration enforcement to operate under administrative warrants. The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the measure, with members stating it was intended to limit federal enforcement activity and reshape how local resources are used.
The complaint, also known as an SB 1487, triggers a legal review by the Attorney General to determine whether a local government has violated state law or the Arizona Constitution, including A.R.S. § 11-1051(A), which prohibits local governments from restricting federal immigration enforcement below the full extent permitted by federal law. The filing starts a 30-day clock for the Attorney General to respond. Depending on that finding, the city or county may be required to change the policy, face a loss of state-shared revenue, or the case could be referred to the Arizona Supreme Court. The action comes as similar concerns are emerging in Phoenix, where city leaders recently adopted a policy that blocks federal immigration enforcement from using city property unless the City Manager signs off, effectively putting a local political gatekeeper in control of federal operations.
"We're seeing Democrat-run local governments put radical political agendas ahead of public safety," said President Petersen. "Instead of supporting law enforcement and protecting their citizens from crime, they're creating barriers that make it harder to enforce the law and easier for criminals to stay in our communities."
"This is about making sure our laws are applied consistently across Arizona," said President Pro Tem Shope. "When one county decides to go rogue, it creates gaps that undermine enforcement statewide. Arizonans expect coordination between all levels of government, not policies that tie the hands of law enforcement."
Attorney General Kris Mayes has faced criticism for past comments and actions undermining law enforcement, including statements that drew backlash for suggesting Arizonans could justify shooting officers under certain interpretations of state law. In response, the Arizona Senate took the historic step of passing a resolution calling on Mayes to resign, citing concerns about her rhetoric and its impact on public safety. Lawmakers have also raised concerns about her opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts and cooperation with ICE, questioning whether those views could impact her ability to impartially review complaints involving immigration policy.
"The Attorney General doesn't get to set aside the law because she disagrees with it," said Majority Leader Kavanagh. "Given her record and her public opposition to immigration enforcement, there is a serious question about whether she can review this case objectively. This is not a policy debate. The law is clear, and it must be applied."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov