Arizona’s legislature is currently reviewing a significant piece of legislation aimed at bolstering cooperation with the federal government's mass deportation efforts under the new Trump administration. The proposed bill, known as the 'AZ ICE Act,' is being introduced by Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican.
If passed, the AZ ICE Act would mandate that sheriff’s departments and the Arizona Department of Corrections establish cooperative agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements would operate under the framework of Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement responsibilities to state and local law enforcement officers.
According to ICE’s official website, the 287(g) program aims to strengthen collaboration between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement agencies to identify and detain suspected undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to public safety and violate U.S. immigration laws.
In addition to fostering closer ties between state and federal agencies, the AZ ICE Act would compel law enforcement entities to adhere to ICE detainers. These detainers serve as formal requests for notification to ICE when an undocumented individual is set to be released from state or local custody. Notably, jurisdictions that refuse to comply with these detainers are often referred to as 'sanctuary' cities or states.
The proposed legislation has sparked debates about the role of states in assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts and the potential impact on immigrant communities within Arizona. Proponents argue that closer collaboration with ICE is essential for maintaining public safety and upholding immigration laws, while critics express concerns about the potential for racial profiling and the chilling effect on community trust in law enforcement.
As the discussion around the AZ ICE Act continues, stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring the developments and engaging in dialogue to ensure that any legislative measures strike a balance between immigration enforcement and safeguarding the rights and well-being of all individuals residing in Arizona.
