Pima County Moves to Restrict ICE Operations with New Ordinances
The Pima County Board of Supervisors has taken significant steps to limit the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the region. In a recent meeting, the board voted to move forward with drafting ordinances that would impose new restrictions on ICE.
Supervisor Jenn Allen, who proposed these measures, highlighted the importance of trust and accountability within law enforcement. She remarked, “Trust, transparency, accountability and integrity are things they strive for every single day. This item is getting at behaviors that are far outside of that.” Allen emphasized that proper identification is crucial for holding ICE agents accountable and preventing potential misuse of authority.
The board voted 4-1 in favor of drafting a mask policy for ICE agents, a prohibition on the use of county-owned property by ICE, and a resolution opposing the establishment of an ICE detention center in Marana, a town near Tucson.
Community members, including Rolande Baker from Pima Resist ICE, have voiced their support for these actions. Baker expressed frustration at the necessity of such ordinances, stating, “I don’t think it should be difficult. Prior to Donald Trump’s second term, they always were unmasked, ICE was always unmasked. Border Patrol was always unmasked. Border Patrol and ICE always had their IDs on them, we knew who they were.” She emphasized that having to legislate this requirement seems unnecessary, as it was standard practice before January 2021.
Supervisor Steve Christy, the sole dissenting vote, raised concerns about potential doxing of federal agents. He suggested an alternative motion that would require law enforcement to wear IDs while protecting their personal information from public release. Although his motion was not considered, Supervisor Rex Scott agreed that no public servant should face threats or endangerment to their family.
Christy also opposed the ordinance preventing ICE from accessing county-owned facilities, suggesting it might lead to confrontations between local law enforcement and ICE. However, Supervisor Matt Heinz assured that local officers are skilled in de-escalation techniques.
The board has tasked county officials with preparing the ordinances for review at the next meeting, with a final vote expected in March. This move aligns with Tucson’s mayor and city council’s recent decision to draft a similar ordinance to restrict ICE’s use of city-owned property.
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