Former Arizona Lawmaker Alleges 'Bogus' Trespass Notices at State Capitol

Community members were reportedly issued trespass notices while denouncing an anti-immigration election bill.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A former Arizona state senator is claiming that members of the advocacy group Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) were issued 'bogus trespass notices' while holding a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol to denounce a Republican-backed bill that would require federal immigration officers to be present at every polling place statewide for the 2026 general election.

Why it matters

The proposed bill has sparked concerns about potential voter suppression and racial profiling, with LUCHA arguing it would 'inject fear' into Arizona elections. The allegations of trespass notices being issued to community members protesting the bill raise questions about free speech and access to the political process.

The details

LUCHA held an 'emergency press conference' at the Capitol on Friday to denounce Senate Bill 1570, which was first announced on Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman, is intended to ensure 'consistent enforcement' of election laws and election security in the wake of concerns about election integrity. However, LUCHA says the bill would enable voter suppression and racial profiling.

  • The press conference was held on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Senate Bill 1570 was first announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Raquel Terán

A former Arizona state senator who alleged that LUCHA members were issued 'bogus trespass notices' while protesting the proposed election bill.

Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA)

An advocacy group that held a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol to denounce Senate Bill 1570, which they say would 'inject fear, voter suppression and racial profiling into Arizona elections.'

Sen. Jake Hoffman

The Republican state senator who sponsored Senate Bill 1570, which would require federal immigration officers to be present at every polling place statewide for the 2026 general election.

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What’s next

The Arizona State Legislature is expected to continue debating Senate Bill 1570 in the coming weeks, with a vote on the bill's passage potentially occurring before the end of the legislative session.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around election security, voter suppression, and the role of immigration enforcement in the electoral process. The allegations of 'bogus trespass notices' being issued to community members protesting the proposed bill raise questions about free speech and access to the political process in Arizona.