Arizona Senate Republicans File Complaint Against Pima County Over Anti-ICE Resolution

Arizona Senate Republicans have filed an SB 1487 complaint against Pima County over a resolution banning immigration enforcement operations from taking place on county property or with county resources.

State Senate President Warren Petersen (R) and Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R) led the charge against the border county's anti-ICE policies, arguing the county is putting radical political agendas ahead of public safety.

Pima County passed the resolution on Feb. 17 by a 4-1 vote, without the support of sole Republican Steve Christy. The supervisors noted in the resolution that recent immigration enforcement activities have "trampled on civil and constitutional rights, recklessly endangered citizens and non-citizens alike, and culminated in the deaths of detainees and peaceful protesters."

The resolution states no county property can be used as "a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement." It calls for county buildings to put up signs referencing the resolution and encourages counties and agencies to use physical barriers like locked gates to limit access to county-controlled lots and garages.

It also restricts county employees from assisting or even cooperating with immigration enforcement, including letting agents access specific people.

Arizona state law prohibits limiting cooperation with "the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by law," creating a direct conflict with the county's policies.

The complaint against Pima County is the second of its kind filed this year. Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-Prescott Valley) filed a complaint against the city of Phoenix earlier this year for a similar new policy. When Republicans controlled both the state attorney general's office and the state legislature, SB 1487 complaints were much more common.

Senate President Petersen told Fox News that Democrats in places like Pima are putting "radical political agendas ahead of public safety."

"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," Petersen said.

Senate President Pro-Tempore TJ Shope (R-Coolidge) added:

"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."

State Sen. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) criticized the county for cherry-picking which law enforcement agencies it supports.

"A small number of police officers engage in some egregious conduct, some of which the Democrats complain about in Phoenix, yet I don't see anybody blocking Phoenix police from going to locations," Kavanagh said. "You can't cherry pick, and you can't judge an agency based on isolated actions."

State Sen. Jennifer Allen, who voted for the resolution, defended the county's actions and said criticism should be directed at the federal government rather than the county.

"Pima County has no interest in allowing property intended for the benefit of the people of Pima County to be used in support of such lawless actions by the federal government," Allen said. She added that "Americans protesting this outrageous behavior were killed while peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights."

The complaint gives Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes 30 days to determine if Pima County has violated state law or the U.S. Constitution. Depending on her findings, the county may be required to change the policy, face a loss of state-shared revenue, or the case could be referred to the Arizona Supreme Court.

Mayes has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for her opposition to immigration enforcement. Kavanagh questioned whether she can review the case objectively given her record.

"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," Kavanagh said.

Mayes responded to the criticisms, saying:

"I will not be deterred from speaking out or criticizing the Trump administration for its ongoing abuses of power and its trashing of our sacred Constitution."

A Mayes spokesman added:

"Attorney General Mayes will continue to go after the actual threats to public safety: the drug traffickers flooding Arizona communities with fentanyl and other illicit drugs."

The Phoenix City Council's policy, which was also challenged, bans immigration agents from using city property for immigration enforcement, without permission from the city manager. Rep. Nguyen described it as "effectively putting a political gatekeeper in control of federal operations."

Pima County officials have also passed a resolution seeking to prevent immigration enforcement agents from wearing face coverings, though details on enforcement mechanisms have yet to be ironed out.

The ongoing tension between state and local authorities on immigration enforcement reflects broader political divisions across Arizona as the 2026 election approaches. Republicans argue for consistent enforcement of federal immigration laws, while Democrats and some local officials prioritize concerns about civil rights and enforcement conduct.