Senator Ortiz introduces the Immigrant Trust Act to protect Arizona immigrants

Arizona State Senate 

1700 W. Washington St. 

Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Press Release

PHOENIX – Senator Analise Ortiz (LD24) has introduced the “Immigrant Trust Act” to ensure Arizona’s immigrant communities feel comfortable seeking medical assistance, reporting crimes and completing their day-to-day activities without the fear of deportation and released the following statement: 

“Over the last year, we have seen Republican elected officials at both the state and federal level work to make our country unwelcoming to immigrants. They have pushed racist rhetoric that has caused all immigrants – documented and undocumented – to live in fear. No one should fear that living their normal, every day life could lead to deportation.  

Republicans in Arizona’s Legislature are adding to this anxiety by introducing bills that would force state cooperation with federal immigration officials, require hospitals to ask a patient’s immigration status, allow the federal government to use state prisons as immigration detention centers, and more. 

Passing legislation that criminalizes our immigrant community for simply existing is unacceptable, inhumane and not who we should be as a state. These policies will lead to people of color refusing to seek medical care, social benefits, or report crimes because it could lead to them being deported from our country and separated from their loved ones. 

While the Arizona Legislature does not have authority to dictate policy at the federal level, we can ensure citizen safety right here at the State Capitol That is why I have introduced the “Immigrant Trust Act” (SB1362), which will make the distinction between state, county and municipal law enforcement and federal immigration authorities very clear.  

The ‘Immigrant Trust Act’ will prohibit police officers from participating in federal immigration raids. It would stop police from questioning, arresting, searching, or detaining an individual based solely on actual or suspected immigration status. And they could not ask an individual’s immigration status except in rare cases when it is relevant to a specific criminal investigation. 

Let’s not forget that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has been found in federal violation of civil rights laws for racial profiling and the U.S. Department of Justice found civil rights violations by the Phoenix Police Department during an investigation. It is unfortunate that racial profiling and unconstitutional policing are as Arizonan as the 5 C’s. 

Our community is fed up. It is past time to make Arizona a fair and welcoming state where everyone is able to participate in their communities without fear. Passing the ‘Immigrant Trust Act’ is the first step toward making that a reality.”