Arizona Senate Passes Bill Requiring Police to Contact ICE

The legislation mandates local law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities when arresting someone suspected of being in the country unlawfully.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Arizona Senate has passed Senate Bill 1055, which would require local police departments throughout the state to immediately contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when they arrest someone suspected of being in the country without authorization. The bill now moves to the Arizona House for further consideration.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of an ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Supporters argue it will help ensure compliance with existing laws, while critics say it could erode trust between immigrant communities and the police.

The details

Senate Bill 1055 passed in a 16-11 vote along party lines. The bill states that law enforcement agencies for cities and counties must immediately notify ICE or CBP when they arrest a person unlawfully in the country. Arizona law currently requires no local law enforcement agency "may limit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law." Senate Republicans say the new bill is needed to clarify how information should be shared between state and federal agencies.

  • The Arizona Senate passed SB 1055 on February 23, 2026.

The players

Arizona Senate

The legislative body that passed Senate Bill 1055 requiring local police to contact federal immigration authorities.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that local police would be required to notify under the new legislation.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The other federal agency that local police would be required to notify under the new legislation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not limit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law.”

— Arizona Senate Republicans (12news.com)

What’s next

The bill now moves to the Arizona House for further consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of an ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, with supporters arguing it will help ensure compliance with existing laws and critics saying it could erode trust between immigrant communities and the police.