Arizona Bill Would Criminalize Alerting Suspects of Imminent Arrests

Proposed legislation aims to prevent people from warning those wanted by law enforcement that they are about to be arrested.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new bill in Arizona, Senate Bill 1635, would make it a crime to alert someone that law enforcement is about to arrest them. The bill was introduced by Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh, a former police officer, who says it is aimed at preventing people from warning "criminals, murderers, rapists, child molesters" that police are coming to arrest them. However, critics argue the language is overly broad and unconstitutional.

Why it matters

The proposed law raises concerns about free speech and civil liberties, as it could criminalize people simply warning their neighbors or posting on social media about police activity in their area. Opponents argue it gives prosecutors too much power to determine intent and could be abused, especially against marginalized communities.

The details

Senate Bill 1635 would make it a crime to "knowingly communicate[] information to the other person that alerts or warns the other person of a real-time, imminent or ongoing effort to arrest the other person by a local, state or federal law enforcement officer." There are exceptions for lawyers providing legal advice. Supporters say it's necessary to prevent people from helping suspects evade arrest, while critics say the language is too broad and could chill free speech.

  • The bill is expected to be considered during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Elections on Wednesday.

The players

John Kavanagh

The Senate Majority Leader who introduced SB 1635, and a former police officer.

Analise Ortiz

A Democratic State Senator who argues the proposed law is unconstitutional.

Katie Hobbs

The Governor of Arizona who would need to sign the bill into law if it passes the legislature.

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What they’re saying

“Warning somebody who should be arrested, perhaps a dangerous criminal, that the police are coming to escape, so you can commit more crime, is not free speech. It's dangerous speech, and it should be banned.”

— John Kavanagh, Senate Majority Leader (kold.com)

“Sen. Kavanagh wants you to go to jail for blowing a whistle to let people know that ICE is around, or even post on NextDoor that cops are in your neighborhood.”

— Analise Ortiz, Democratic State Senator (kold.com)

“The language is so broad, and it's going to be up to prosecutors to determine whether you had intent. The same prosecutors, who are of the mindset that someone like Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by ICE, is some kind of domestic terrorist. At this point, they have thrown the constitution out the door; they are spinning their own narrative. That is what is exactly what's going to happen if this bill becomes law.”

— Analise Ortiz, Democratic State Senator (kold.com)

What’s next

The bill is expected to be considered during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Elections on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This proposed law highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety, civil liberties, and free speech. While supporters argue it's necessary to prevent people from helping suspects evade arrest, critics contend the broad language could be abused and unconstitutionally restrict people's ability to share information about law enforcement activity in their communities.