Governor Hobbs Rejects Arizona Immigration Bill for Local Freedom

Governor Katie Hobbs Opposes Arizona Immigration Enforcement Bill

In a significant decision impacting immigration policy, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed Senate Bill 1164, commonly referred to as the Arizona ICE Act. This legislation, championed by Republican legislators, sought to restrict local and state agencies from establishing policies that would hinder collaboration with federal immigration enforcement authorities.

The ICE Act required local sheriffs and state prisons to comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contributing to a wider movement aimed at enhancing state-level immigration enforcement. Critics have likened this approach to the controversial measures implemented during the Trump presidency.

In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs articulated her stance on the matter, stating, “I will continue to work with the federal government on true border security, but we should not force state and local officials to take marching orders from Washington D.C.” This remark underscores her commitment to local governance while addressing federal immigration issues.

The bill was introduced by Senate President Warren Petersen and was part of a broader package aimed at intensifying immigration enforcement within the state. The introduction of such measures has ignited discussions about the balance of power between state and federal jurisdictions over immigration practices.

Governor Hobbs’ veto reflects a pattern of her opposition to similar legislative proposals presented by Arizona's legislative bodies in 2025. This ongoing dynamic highlights the complexities involved in navigating immigration policy and the differences between state and federal approaches.