Arizona Republicans Force Probe of County's Anti-ICE Policies

Pima County's measures targeting immigration enforcement face state-level scrutiny.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A conceptual illustration in the style of Giacomo Balla, featuring overlapping, geometric brushstrokes of warm desert colors depicting an Arizona state capitol building and an ICE enforcement van, representing the political clash over immigration policies.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the political tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies in Arizona.Tucson Today

Arizona state Senate leaders have forced the Democratic state attorney general to investigate Pima County's policies that restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' access to county property without judicial warrants. The Republican lawmakers argue the county's actions undermine public safety and law enforcement, while Pima officials say they are responding to alleged abuses by federal immigration agents.

Why it matters

This clash between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies highlights the ongoing political tensions around the role of federal immigration authorities. The outcome of the state investigation could have significant implications for how counties in Arizona balance public safety concerns with protecting immigrant communities from aggressive federal tactics.

The details

Pima County, which includes the city of Tucson, has passed measures directing county authorities to deny ICE agents access to county property without judicial warrants. Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and other Republican leaders have now forced the state's Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes to review whether these county policies violate state law or the U.S. Constitution. Depending on Mayes' findings, Pima County may be required to change its policies, face a loss of state funding, or have the case referred to the state Supreme Court.

  • The Arizona Senate resolution, SB 1487, has started a 30-day clock for Attorney General Mayes to respond to the investigation.

The players

Warren Petersen

The Republican President of the Arizona State Senate, who is leading the push for the state investigation into Pima County's policies.

TJ Shope

The Republican Senate President Pro-Tempore, who joined Petersen in the move to force the state investigation.

John Kavanagh

The Republican Senate Majority Leader, who criticized Attorney General Mayes' past rhetoric and questioned her ability to objectively review the case.

Kris Mayes

The Democratic Attorney General of Arizona, who has been ordered to conduct the investigation into Pima County's policies.

Jennifer Allen

A Pima County Supervisor, who defended the county's actions as a response to alleged abuses by federal immigration agents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Instead of supporting law enforcement and protecting their citizens from crime, they're creating barriers that make it harder to enforce the law and easier for criminals to stay in our communities.”

— Warren Petersen, Arizona State Senate President

“This is about making sure our laws are applied consistently across Arizona. When one county decides to go rogue, it creates gaps that undermine enforcement statewide. Arizonans expect coordination between all levels of government, not policies that tie the hands of law enforcement.”

— TJ Shope, Arizona State Senate President Pro-Tempore

“Given her record and her public opposition to immigration enforcement, there is a serious question about whether she can review this case objectively. This is not a policy debate. The law is clear, and it must be applied.”

— John Kavanagh, Arizona State Senate Majority Leader

“What is there to criticize? The county's action is in response to the egregious and abusive behavior of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and elsewhere in the country over the past year.”

— Jennifer Allen, Pima County Supervisor

What’s next

Attorney General Mayes has 30 days to complete the investigation and determine whether Pima County's policies violate state law or the U.S. Constitution. The findings could lead to Pima County being required to change its policies, facing a loss of state funding, or the case being referred to the Arizona Supreme Court.

The takeaway

This clash between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies reflects the ongoing political tensions around the role of federal immigration authorities. The outcome of the state investigation could have significant implications for how counties in Arizona balance public safety concerns with protecting immigrant communities from aggressive federal tactics.