Arizona ICE Act: The law that would make the police arrest migrants from this state

The state of Arizona is moving forward with a legislative proposal that could radically change the way immigration laws are enforced in its territory. The bill SB-1164 , known as the “ Arizona Immigration, Cooperation and Enforcement Act” (or Arizona ICE Act ), seeks to force local law enforcement agencies to actively collaborate with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service ( ICE ).

The initiative, pushed by the Arizona Legislature, mandates that all local law enforcement agencies ( LEAs ) must sign a memorandum of understanding with ICE by January 1, 2026 .

This agreement would incorporate them into the 287(g) program , a mechanism that allows local officials to act as federal immigration agents. According to the text of the project , LEAs must report their compliance with these provisions and ensure that their officers receive the necessary training to carry out these functions. In addition, they are granted legal immunity for the use of federal resources in the enforcement of immigration laws.

One of the most controversial aspects of the proposal is its focus on immigration detention requests. When a person is arrested and suspected of being in the United States illegally, local agencies are required to notify the appropriate authorities and comply with detention requests issued by ICE, provided they are deemed “facially sufficient.”

The latter means that if an official ICE form indicates there is probable cause to believe someone is a “removable alien” under federal law, local law enforcement must hold that person until immigration authorities act on the matter .

The bill also requires state correctional facilities to enter into agreements with ICE to temporarily house individuals subject to immigration detainers. These agreements could include covering costs associated with detention , which entails a significant use of state resources.

Additionally, the Arizona attorney general would have the power to enforce these provisions , ensuring that local agencies and correctional facilities comply with their obligations under the new law.

To finance these measures , the project provides for the allocation of funds from the general state budget . It also envisages the creation of incentive and grant programs to encourage the participation of local agencies in the application of immigration laws.

According to the text, “officials or agencies of this state may not be prevented from using federal resources , including databases, equipment, grant funds, training, or participation in incentive programs for any purpose related to public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws.”

The Arizona ICE Act represents an effort to expand the reach of federal immigration policies at the local level , something that has already been implemented in other states with mixed results. If approved, Arizona would join a growing list of jurisdictions seeking to play a more active role in the detention and deportation of undocumented individuals.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this law could redefine the relationship between migrant communities and law enforcement in Arizona , with consequences that will resonate far beyond its borders.