By Jonathan Eberle |
The watchdog organization Judicial Watch has filed a lawsuit against Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, seeking access to documents it says may shed light on whether the governor directed state agencies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The suit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, comes after Judicial Watch submitted a public records request on December 17, 2024. According to the group, the Governor’s Office responded that no responsive records existed, prompting the legal action. The case is listed as Judicial Watch Inc. v. Office of the Arizona Governor (No. CV2025-039217).
Judicial Watch’s records request sought two categories of documents: any instructions, communications, or policies given to state agencies that would restrict participation in federal immigration enforcement efforts; and any legal analysis or anticipated litigation documents tied to the governor’s position on the state’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws. State law prohibits Arizona officials or agencies from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws “to less than the full extent permitted by federal law.”
The dispute follows comments Gov. Hobbs made in November 2024, when she was asked whether state police or the Arizona National Guard would cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Hobbs said Arizona would not support what she described as “misguided policies that harm our communities,” and said the state would not participate in efforts she believes “terrorize our communities.”
Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility. Under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and the Immigration and Nationality Act, federal authorities retain sole authority over immigration regulation, enforcement, and removal. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton criticized the governor’s reported approach, saying that declining to support federal operations “undermines the rule of law and places law enforcement and other innocent lives at risk.”
The case now moves forward in county court, where a judge will determine whether the Governor’s Office must turn over any documents or further justify its stance that none exist.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
