Tucson took action against ICE. Now the city is bracing for state Republicans to fight back
‘You cannot compromise with crazy,’ the mayor says after taking steps to block the agency from targeting its residents
TL;DR
- Tucson voted to prevent ICE agents from using city property for enforcement activities without a judicial warrant.
- This action is a response to fatal shootings by immigration agents in Minneapolis and comes amid a crackdown by the Trump administration.
- The move by Tucson is part of a trend seen in Democratic-leaning cities, but conservative states often have laws preventing such ordinances.
- Arizona Republicans are challenging Tucson's and Pima County's anti-ICE measures using a state law (SB 1487) that allows legislators to request investigations by the state attorney general.
- SB 1487 can lead to state funds being withheld from cities that do not comply with state law, posing a significant financial threat.
- Tucson has a history of conflict with state Republicans over local ordinances, including issues related to gun control and educational programs.
- The current political climate in Arizona, with a Democratic governor and attorney general but a Republican-controlled legislature, creates a complex dynamic for these preemption battles.