AZ Gov Katie Hobbs Vetoes Bill That Protects American Citizens From Illegal Aliens

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed Senate Bill 1164, a measure that would have required state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the identification, detention, and deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally.

BREAKING: Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bill to require local and state cooperation with ICE and other federal immigration enforcement efforts, preventing so-called sanctuary cities from operating in the state. pic.twitter.com/9rwNDSfnyT

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) April 20, 2025

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The legislation, commonly referred to as the ICE Act, also included language to prohibit any municipality in Arizona from adopting so-called “sanctuary” policies—local ordinances or practices that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The Republican-backed bill passed through the Arizona Legislature, where the GOP currently holds a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

The veto sets up the potential for a legislative override vote, which would require support from the same two-thirds majority to succeed.

In her veto letter issued Tuesday, Hobbs defended her decision by asserting that immigration enforcement responsibilities should not be imposed on state and local officials by federal policy.

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“Today I vetoed Senate Bill 1164. Arizonans, not Washington, D.C. politicians, must decide what’s best for Arizona,” Hobbs wrote.

“I will continue to work with the federal government on true border security, but we should not force state and local officials to take marching orders from Washington D.C.”

Following the veto, Arizona House Democrats posted a statement on X celebrating the decision. “Thank you @GovernorHobbs for the veto on SB1164! Racial profiling, sowing division, fear and trampling on due process rights should have no place in Arizona,” the post read.

Thank you @GovernorHobbs for the veto on SB1164! Racial profiling, sowing division, fear and trampling on due process rights should have no place in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/084suU5lLx

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) April 19, 2025

Supporters of the ICE Act argue the bill would have strengthened Arizona’s role in assisting federal immigration enforcement at a time when illegal border crossings continue to strain resources across the state.

An estimated 275,000 illegal aliens are believed to be living in Arizona, according to current immigration data.

Under the proposed law, local police agencies would have been required to notify ICE when individuals in custody were found to be in the country unlawfully.

The bill also would have prevented jurisdictions from adopting policies that prohibit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including communication and detainer requests.

The bill’s primary sponsors argued that uniform cooperation between state, local, and federal agencies is critical to addressing illegal immigration, public safety concerns, and border-related criminal activity.

Republican lawmakers emphasized that sanctuary city policies create gaps in enforcement and obstruct federal efforts to identify and deport criminal aliens.

In anticipation of the governor’s veto, Republican legislators have already begun discussions regarding a potential override vote.

With the party holding a supermajority, the option remains on the table, though it would require complete caucus unity to succeed.

Governor Hobbs’ veto follows similar decisions made by Democrat governors in other states who have rejected legislation tying local law enforcement responsibilities to federal immigration policy.

Critics of such laws often cite civil liberties concerns and the potential for litigation.

The future of SB1164 now rests with legislative leadership as Republican lawmakers weigh whether to challenge the governor’s veto in the coming days.

No official date has yet been set for a possible override vote.

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