Arizona lawmakers are advancing a bill that would compel the governor and attorney general to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The measure, House Bill 2099, has sparked debate over the state's role in immigration enforcement and public safety.
Arizona lawmakers are deliberating a bill that would mandate the governor and attorney general to collaborate with federal authorities in immigration enforcement. House Bill 2099 would instruct Arizona's governor and attorney general to 'enforce, administer and cooperate' with federal immigration actions, orders, and programs. Rep. Teresa Martinez, the bill's sponsor, contends that Gov. Katie Hobbs has issued contradictory statements concerning immigration and border security.
While the governor has stated her unwillingness to aid federal agencies in immigration raids, she has also expressed a desire to work with the Trump administration on combating fentanyl trafficking. Martinez questions the governor's stance, stating, 'So which is it?' 'And so this just basically says, to make it very clear ... we need to deport all the criminal elements out of the state.' Martinez, a Republican representing Legislative District 16, emphasizes that the measure centers on public safety. 'Nobody's talking about abuela. Nobody's talking about sending grandma off,' she clarifies. 'We're talking about people who have been convicted, with arrest warrants. They have arrest warrants. They have ICE detainers, who are sexual predators, who are criminals, who are murderers.' A House panel approved the proposal on a partisan vote Monday afternoon, sending it to the full House for consideration. The Attorney General's office, represented by Kris Mayes, declined to comment on the legislation. Hobbs' office, which typically avoids commenting on pending bills, did not respond to a request for comment. Martinez expresses optimism that Hobbs will sign the bill, citing the governor's statements in her State of the State address regarding border security. 'We want to make sure that the governor has every opportunity to sign this bill into law,' she asserts. In November, Arizona voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition 314, which would criminalize unauthorized border crossing at the state level and empower local judges to issue deportation orders. This provision would take effect if a similar law in Texas survives legal challenges and becomes operational. 'The Arizona public has made it clear that they want to have public security addressed in this administration,' Martinez states. Republican lawmakers have discussed the possibility of submitting the proposal to voters, akin to Prop. 314, she reveals. The Legislature previously sent Prop. 314 to voters after Hobbs vetoed a border-crossing bill. 'We're going to wait,' Martinez explains. 'And you know, if she vetoes it, that's on her. And then we, the Republican Legislature, will go ahead and start what we do next.' Senate President Warren Petersen has also introduced legislation – the Arizona Immigration, Cooperation, and Enforcement Act – requiring state and local law enforcement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under SB 1164, law enforcement agencies would be obligated to comply with federal immigration detainers, and prisons and jails would need to house individuals with detainers. The bill would also mandate state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with ICE to identify and assist in the removal of undocumented immigrants incarcerated within their jurisdiction. Currently, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Mesa Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in La Paz, Pinal, and Yavapai counties have existing agreements with ICE
IMMIGRATION ARIZONA LEGISLATION GOVERNORS ATTORNEY GENERAL BORDER SECURITY FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
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