PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated on Friday that her administration will not support federal immigration raids, reaffirming her commitment to using state resources to protect communities rather than detain individuals who pose no harm.
“We’re not going to use state resources to go into communities and round up people that aren’t causing harm,” Hobbs said during a media briefing at a Phoenix child care center.
Hobbs, a Democrat, emphasized that Arizona’s border security efforts will continue to focus on intercepting drugs, weapons, and dangerous individuals rather than participating in broad immigration crackdowns.
State Border Security Priorities
Hobbs highlighted the ongoing work of Task Force SAFE, part of her SAFE (Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic) Initiative, as a prime example of targeted efforts. The task force, comprising members of the Arizona National Guard, collaborates with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to intercept drugs entering the state from Mexico.
Federal Immigration Raids Spark Concerns
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s executive orders earlier this week authorizing immigration raids in sensitive locations, including schools, churches, and hospitals. Reports of American citizens being detained during a raid in Newark, New Jersey, have raised alarm among community leaders nationwide.
Hobbs noted that while no confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have occurred in Arizona, her administration is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are working with local communities — there’s been some unconfirmed reports around tribal communities — to make sure that folks have the resources they need,” Hobbs said. “We’re making sure that Arizonans aren’t getting caught up in racial profiling or wrongful deportations.”
Opposition to Federal Immigration Policies
Hobbs reaffirmed her stance against policies she views as harmful to Arizonans. While the Trump administration has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centerpiece of its agenda, Hobbs said she would oppose actions that harm communities, including legislation such as the recently introduced AZ ICE Act, which seeks to ensure state cooperation with federal immigration efforts.
“We’re going to stand up to the administration just like I have from day one when they’re not getting it right for Arizonans,” she said.
Arizona’s Position Moving Forward
While Hobbs expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration on certain border security issues, she drew a clear line on actions she believes undermine Arizona’s communities. “Our focus remains on protecting the people of Arizona, not supporting divisive federal mandates,” she said.