Arizona's top law enforcement official is standing firmly against new federal immigration measures.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has voiced strong opposition to President-elect Trump's plans for immigration enforcement including potential deportation centers and large-scale deportations of Dreamers, Fox News reported.
Mayes, a Democrat, firmly criticized the concept of building deportation facilities within Arizona, likening them to “concentration camps” and labeling the idea as unacceptable. Her opposition centers not only on these proposed facilities but extends to safeguarding Dreamers, individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The DREAM Act, a legislative proposal initially tabled by Senators Richard Durbin and Orrin Hatch, underpins DACA. Over the years, DACA has faced multiple challenges, with former President Trump’s endeavor to terminate it being halted by the Supreme Court. Mayes expressed faith in judicial outcomes, believing the courts will ultimately support Dreamers.
In a recent interview, Mayes committed to utilizing all legal avenues to counter family separations and the creation of immigration detention facilities, emphasizing Arizona's opposition to undermining Dreamers. She spelled out a clear boundary, noting their deportation as a “bright red line.”
Mayes reiterated her determination, stating, "I will do everything I can legally to fight [family separation or construction of deportation camps]. Not on our soil."
Addressing broader border concerns, Mayes highlighted systemic issues such as the fentanyl crisis. She advocated for increased federal resources to support border patrols and target cartel activities, opposing the deployment of the National Guard for deportation activities.
Mayes argues that focusing efforts on mass deportations leads to potential system abuses, suggesting that the emphasis should instead be on deporting individuals involved in serious crimes. Her strategy involves working with officials from neighboring states, mentioning cooperation with New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Texas, however, is notably absent from anticipated collaborations. In her critique of mass deportation proposals, Mayes pledged to safeguard due process and individual rights, underscoring a balanced approach to immigration.
Beyond immigration conversations, Mayes expressed discontent over constitutional implications of the proposed policies. She argues that Arizona residents did not foresee constitution-compromising actions as part of their electoral choice when voting for Trump.
She summed this sentiment, maintaining that the erosion of constitutional protections was not a mandate provided by residents. It's evident that Mayes envisions a comprehensive effort involving court actions and strategic governmental alliances to push back against the proposed immigration measures.
While Fox News Digital has reached out to Trump’s team and Republican congressional members for comments on Mayes’ declarations, no responses were received by press time.
In essence, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is leading a coalition-based approach opposing President-elect Trump's immigration strategies, defending Dreamers, collaborating with border officials from other states, addressing drug and crime crises, and emphasizing constitutional integrity. Her efforts signal a robust challenge to the anticipated federal changes while reinforcing regional and legal frameworks to protect communities and uphold rights.
