FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 17, 2025
Senate Republicans Advance 'AZ ICE Act' Through Committee
to Help Protect Arizonans, National Security
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are advancing an amended version of the Arizona Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act, also known as the 'AZ ICE Act' SB 1164, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen. The bill ensures state cooperation with the Trump Administration's enforcement of federal immigration laws to help protect Arizonans and national security.
The AZ ICE Act passed out of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs & Border Security today. Under the amended version of SB 1164, cities and towns are prohibited from adopting or enforcing any policies that block or restrict law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities to enforce federal immigration laws. If cities and towns 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. 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.
Additionally, law enforcement must use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws. They may enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government but are no longer required to do so as indicated in the introduced version of this bill. 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.
"I've been working with law enforcement to help develop a policy that's enforceable and will protect Arizonans from criminal illegal aliens in our communities," said President Petersen. "After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of illegal immigration. Arizona is a border state, and as such, we need to empower our sworn agents to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration's efforts on this front. Time is of the essence to protect innocent and law-abiding citizens around our great state. I'm thankful for the support from the Arizona Sheriffs' Association on this vital legislation, and for my colleagues who are committed to advancing this bill to the Governor's Office."
"The Arizona Sheriffs' Association fully supports the AZ ICE Act," said Yavapai County Sheriff and Association President David Rhodes. "We thank Senate President Warren Petersen for working with Sheriffs to bring this important legislation that ensures the rule of law will be enforced. Communities will be kept safer because of this new law, and the will of the voters will be followed."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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