The Arizona Senate is engulfed in controversy following a social media post by State Senator Analise Ortiz (D), which reported a sighting of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers. In response, Senate President Warren Petersen has called for a criminal investigation into Ortiz, asserting that her actions may violate federal law. Petersen stated, “I spoke with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona and referred this matter to his office to investigate.” He emphasized that Arizona Senate Republicans support ICE and its role in enforcing immigration laws.
Petersen, who is also campaigning for Arizona’s attorney general position, has not publicly addressed inquiries from media outlets, including Truthout. The political landscape has shifted significantly under the current administration, with an analysis from Axios revealing that ICE arrests in Arizona nearly doubled from 450 in January to over 860 by June. Notably, the number of individuals arrested without prior criminal charges increased from 18 percent to 28 percent during this period.
Fellow Republican State Senator Jake Hoffman has announced his intention to file an ethics complaint against Ortiz, accusing her of “doxxing ICE agents” and endangering the lives of law enforcement personnel. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) supported Petersen and Hoffman, stating, “There’s no excuse for intentionally obstructing law enforcement activities and putting agents’ lives and the public in danger.”
Defenders of Ortiz have rallied on social media, arguing that her actions fall under First Amendment protections. The organization Progress Arizona tweeted, “She’s doing what any real leader should be: standing up for our communities, sharing information that keeps us safe.” The Arizona House Democrats also criticized the investigation as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing dissent. Attorney General Kris Mayes condemned Petersen’s actions, stating that they reflect bullying rather than leadership.
Ortiz’s post highlights a growing movement across the country, where individuals and communities are taking measures to shield themselves from perceived threats posed by immigration enforcement. Activists have been actively volunteering with rapid response teams to monitor ICE activity and provide legal education. The response from Republican lawmakers to Ortiz underscores the escalating risks faced by those opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The political climate has intensified, as demonstrated by recent arrests of public officials in New Jersey. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) were taken into custody while attempting to intervene in ICE operations. In New York, City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested after linking arms with an individual targeted by ICE agents.
Despite the backlash, Ortiz remains resolute. In reaction to 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.” Her stance reflects a broader commitment to advocating for immigrant communities and resisting what many perceive as authoritarian policies.
This developing story illustrates the complexities at the intersection of immigration enforcement, political accountability, and the rights of elected officials within the current socio-political landscape.