Arizona Republicans Plan Ballot Push After Hobbs Veto on ICE Act

GOP’s Reaction to the Veto

The proposed legislation, SB 1164, aimed to prevent state agencies and local governments from implementing policies that restrict collaboration with federal immigration authorities. Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert), who sponsored the bill, criticized Governor Hobbs for what he perceived as political maneuvering. In response to the veto, Petersen suggested the possibility of bypassing Hobbs by placing the bill on the 2026 ballot, coinciding with her reelection bid.

“We’re looking at 18 months until the next election and the governor will be on the ballot so part of the equation will be: is the focus going into getting a governor that will sign the bill? Or does this go on the ballot with it?” Petersen remarked at a recent press conference.

Governor Hobbs’ Stance

Governor Hobbs defended her decision, emphasizing her commitment to working with federal authorities on border security. In her veto letter, she stated her opposition to mandating state and local officials’ compliance with federal immigration policies. Hobbs detailed her initiatives, including Task Force SAFE and Operation Desert Guardian, aimed at enhancing border security and community safety.

Law Enforcement’s Perspective

Arizona Sheriffs’ Association’s head, Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, voiced disagreement with the veto. Rhodes advocated for a state law obligating sheriffs to detain individuals wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He noted that while most sheriffs comply with such detainer requests, a few do not, which he contends is problematic.

“The state should be telling those sheriffs, ‘If you have somebody in your custody, and that person has committed crime, particularly violent crime, and they are subject to removal from this country, they must notify the immigration authorities,'” Rhodes argued.

Democrats’ Support for the Veto

Senate Democrats have supported Hobbs’ decision, highlighting the importance of the rule of law. They criticized former President Trump’s immigration policies, suggesting that the Arizona ICE Act would have compelled state law enforcement to participate in potentially unconstitutional deportations.

“In the last 88 days, we have seen Trump illegally disappear hundreds of immigrants without due process. If the Arizona ICE Act was law, our state’s law enforcement would be required to assist in that unconstitutional process,” Democrats wrote. “Trump’s recent actions make it abundantly clear that he believes that he can deport, incarcerate, and disappear any person without legal consequences as long as he does so before the court can intervene.”