The president of the Arizona Senate, Warren Petersen, has initiated a call for a criminal investigation into State Senator Analise Ortiz (D) following her social media post that alerted the public to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Petersen claims that Ortiz’s actions may violate federal law, prompting him to refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. He stated, “Arizona Senate Republicans stand firmly in support of ICE and the important work they do to uphold our nation’s immigration laws and protect our communities.”
The controversy arises in a context where ICE arrests in Arizona have nearly doubled since the beginning of the year, with figures rising from approximately 450 arrests in January to over 860 by June, according to an analysis by Axios using data from the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Deportation Data Project. The percentage of individuals arrested without any criminal charges has also increased, from 18 percent in January to 28 percent in June.
In addition to Petersen’s actions, fellow Republican State Senator Jake Hoffman announced plans to file an ethics complaint against Ortiz, accusing her of “doxxing ICE agents” and endangering the lives of law enforcement officials. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) supported this stance, asserting that obstructing law enforcement activities puts agents’ lives and public safety at risk. Biggs, who chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, is also campaigning for the governorship.
Despite the backlash, Ortiz has garnered significant support from various community members and organizations on social media. Advocates argue that her actions fall under the protections of the First Amendment. Progress Arizona, a political advocacy group, defended Ortiz, stating, “She’s doing what any real leader should be: standing up for our communities, sharing information that keeps us safe.”
The Arizona House Democrats echoed similar sentiments, condemning Petersen’s actions as intimidation tactics aimed at silencing opposition. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes criticized Petersen’s approach, describing it as bullying and suggesting that he needs further education on the Bill of Rights.
Ortiz’s post comes at a time when many across the United States are mobilizing to protect their communities from perceived threats of deportation and aggressive immigration enforcement. Various initiatives, including community-led responses to ICE activity and “Know Your Rights” training sessions, have gained traction in recent months.
The situation reflects a broader national trend where politicians who oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies are facing increasing hostility. In a related incident, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) were arrested outside an immigration detention center earlier this year while attempting to conduct an oversight visit. Similarly, in New York, City Comptroller Brad Lander was detained by federal agents for his involvement in a protest against ICE actions.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ortiz remains steadfast in her commitment to alert her community about ICE activities. In response to online calls for her prosecution, she declared, “When ICE is around, I will alert my community to stay out of the area, and I’m not scared of you nor Trump’s masked goons.”
The unfolding events highlight the ongoing tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States and raise questions about the rights of elected officials to communicate with their constituents.
