by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 9, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A prominent Arizona law enforcement official has joined a national immigration organization as an advisor.
Late last month, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) revealed that Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb would be joining its ranks as a Law Enforcement Advisor.
According to FAIR, Lamb “will spearhead FAIR’s law enforcement outreach efforts, engaging officers and agencies across the nation on immigration issues. He will help expand FAIR’s partnerships with local law enforcement and provide insight into the critical role these agencies play in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Sheriff Lamb will also serve as a media spokesperson and participate in FAIR’s podcasts to discuss current immigration issues.”
In a statement about his new role on a recent podcast episode, Lamb said, “I’m excited. I want to stay involved with the border stuff, want to stay involved in law enforcement, and what better opportunity to do it than right through FAIR?”
“We are thrilled to have Sheriff Lamb bring his hands-on experience and deep understanding of the border crisis to FAIR,” said Julie Kirchner, executive director of FAIR. “His firsthand knowledge of the dangers and complexities local communities face due to mass illegal immigration makes him a valuable asset. Sheriff Lamb will play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to work with law enforcement agencies to develop practical solutions to illegal immigration.”
Lamb quickly shot to national prominence through his position as the Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, which has been a hotspot for illegal immigrant and cartel activity. Pinal County is positioned between the southern border with Mexico and Maricopa County, making it a significant thoroughfare for illegal activity. Sheriff Lamb has highlighted the issues his county and state have been facing due to the increasing dangers of illegal immigration, including by hosting groups of elected officials from all around the country, who tour locations that are frequented by drug smugglers looking to take their loads from the border away into the heartland of the country.
The law enforcement professional will be taking a break from public service after his term is complete at the end of this year. Lamb served eight years as county sheriff and had oversight of more than 600 employees. In a recent interview with a local publication, Lamb reflected on his time in office, saying, “We’re very proud of all those accomplishments. I think when people look at me they say, ‘well here’s this conservative sheriff,’ but they don’t realize that I’m actually working hard for reentry, helping people in jail, helping people in the community — even the border stuff, when we contact these people, we give them the most care, we treat them with respect. We understand their plight, coming to this country. They did it illegally, but we understand it.”
He added, “We have learned to really inject humanity into this profession, but I’m also not a pushover and I’m not going to let you push bad social ideas and agendas on me either. We’re going to stand true to what we believe in and we’re gonna do it while we protect everybody and their rights and we treat everybody really well.”
Republican Ross Teeple will replace Lamb as Pinal County Sheriff after winning the General Election with almost 64% of the vote. Teeple previously served as one of Lamb’s Lieutenant Sheriffs and earned the endorsement of his boss. He has served the people of Arizona and America for more than thirty years, starting in the United States Navy.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 9, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona lawmaker is championing the positive effects of one of his bills that went into effect this year.
Last week, state Senator John Kavanagh issued a statement about one of his bills from the most-recent legislative session, which had been signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs. This piece of legislation was SB 1016, which “allows a planned community association to adopt rules that limit a member’s number of wall mounted flagpole holders,” according to the overview provided by the Legislature. The bill “permits an Association to limit a member to two wall mounted flagpole holders.”
Kavanagh, a Republican shared an email from someone who had benefited from this law. That communication, in part, stated, “I finally now am able to honor both my country and my late husband’s service.” The longtime Arizona legislator explained, “That is a line from an email I received this month that reminded me even some of the ‘small’ bills I sponsor can have a significant impact on Arizonans. The picture on the right was taken on November 10, the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. My constituent, Joyce, was able to fly both patriotic flags outside her house after being denied by her HOA for the past six years, thanks to a bill I sponsored this year.”
Senator Kavanagh added, “State law previously stated that an HOA cannot prohibit the outdoor display of various types of patriotic flags, including the American flag, an official or replica of a flag of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, a first responders’ flag, and many others. However, I expanded on the law to allow for two of those flags to be flown at the same time. Every Arizonan should be able to freely show their support for our country, its military, and first responders without an HOA trying to stand in their way.”
SB 1016 passed the Arizona Senate with an overwhelmingly 24-4 vote in March (with two members not voting). It then surged out of the state House of Representatives the next month with a 42-13 tally (with four members not voting and one seat vacant). Governor Hobbs then signed the bill later that month.
In the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, a representative from the Arizona Homeowners Coalition signed in to support the bill.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A trio of Arizona agencies accomplished justice for local victims of organized crime.
Earlier this month, officials with the Arizona Department of Public Safety along with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell held a press conference to announce the arrests of four people who were connected to a string of vehicle thefts in Maricopa County.
“These vehicles were transported into Mexico to continue the efforts and further goals of transnational criminal organizations. And in this case a total of 22 high-end vehicles were recovered with an estimated worth of 1.4 million dollars due to the great work of our vehicle theft task force detectives,” said Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Lt. Col. Ken Hunter.
County Attorney Mitchell thanked her law enforcement partners at the state department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. She added, “And let me be very clear, my office will not tolerate enterprises that target the hardworking people of Maricopa County. We are committed to pursuing justice and holding those who engage in organized crime accountable for their actions.”
The law enforcement officials revealed in their press conference that the stolen vehicles were taken from the Phoenix-metro region to the U.S.-Mexico border. Mitchell shared that each of the individuals indicted are facing a dozen charges of means of transportation, among other felony counts that were included by the grand jury.
Mitchell has been extremely proactive during her tenure as Maricopa County’s top prosecutor in helping to enforce the law against any and all organized retail theft rings operating within her jurisdiction. She faced a competitive general election this past fall yet emerged victorious over her Democrat opponent to secure her first full term in office. After her race was called, Mitchell stated, “I want to assure you that I will continue to fight against any efforts that would allow Maricopa County to become another Los Angeles, where crime is rampant and public safety is compromised. I will continue to collaborate closely with our dedicated law enforcement partners to address the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to serving our community and keeping Maricopa County safe.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2024 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republican efforts to lower monthly bills for renters around the state have come to fruition.
Late last month, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen shared a screenshot from an apartment property manager, alerting residents that rental taxes would no longer be on their bills. The manager wrote, “For years, Arizona has been one of the few states to allow cities and government entities to charge tax on rent. In 2023, a law was passed banning such transaction privilege tax. While the law was passed in 2023, it was not set to go into effect until January 1, 2025. Therefore, starting in January, rental tax will no longer be charged, and you will see a decrease in your monthly charges.”
Petersen responded to the news, saying, “It’s happening. Renters are about to get relief from the rental tax repeal passed by the Republican led legislature. The rental tax repeal was an important part of our majority plan to deliver inflation relief. To get the governors signature we had to delay the effective date to Jan 1 2025. Many people said the Dems would take the majority and put the tax back in place. Fortunately for renters we held the Senate and the House.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick also weighed in on the announcement from her chamber’s leader, indicating that additional plans to lower costs for Arizonans might be forthcoming from Republicans in the state legislature. She said, “In 2022, when I first sponsored that bill I met a guy from southern Arizona who asked me to do something about the residential rental tax. I spoke with this same gentleman this past week once again and he asked me to look at another tax issue since it is now going away. Stay tuned.”
Representative Travis Grantham echoed Petersen’s comments, writing, “So happy we made this happen. Wouldn’t have happened without you endlessly pushing for it!”
In August 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1131, the rental tax elimination bill for Arizona tenants, into law.
According to Arizona Senate Republicans at the time of the signing, “There are approximately 70 municipalities within our state charging this tax, while cities and towns continue to collect record revenues. From fiscal years 2019 to 2023, state-shared revenues from both sales and income taxes combined grew $733 million, or 59%. This increase is on top of any sales taxes or property taxes individually levied by each city. Between FY 2024 and FY 2025, those shared revenues are expected to grow by an additional $389 million.”
Hobbs had vetoed an earlier version of the rental tax prohibition. She gave two reasons for her action, stating, “First this bill lacks any enforceable mechanism to ensure relief will be provided to renters. As noted by the legislature’s own attorney, provisions in the bill that purport to require that tax savings be passed on to renters face challenges under both the state and federal constitutions. If we are going to promise relief to renters, it’s important that we are able to ensure they actually receive it.”
The League of Arizona Cities & Towns – as well as several cities and towns across the state – opposed the updated bill as it progressed through the state legislature and through the Governor’s Office in 2023. The Senate passed the bill on March 2, then the House on May 15. The Senate then concurred with the amended proposal on June 13. SB 1131 was not transmitted to Governor Hobbs until July 31 – the same day that the Legislature approved the negotiated Prop 400 plan.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 6, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One Arizona Democrat appears to be leading the charge against the incoming Republican presidential administration’s plans to secure the nation’s southern border and protect Americans.
Late last month, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero released a statement in opposition to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s border security and enforcement proposals once he takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025. She wrote, “I want to reassure every single resident that I am committed to do all we can to keep our community safe. I am deeply troubled by President-Elect Trump’s plans for mass deportation. I believe they are cruel and immoral. I will work with our police chief to make sure that our focus remains on protecting and serving Tucsonans. Here in Tucson, we know how to stand up and fight against hate and racist laws. Part of our history is coming together with our faith leaders and families from separation. I am unwavering in my commitment to this fight.”
Romero added, “While we do not have specific details about how mass deportations will be carried out by President-Elect Trump’s administration, we do know that it will be painful to children, families and our immigrant community. We do not have the exact details as to when and if Proposition 314 goes into effect, we know that this hate-filled proposition draws from SC 1070 – the show me your papers law. We are a compassionate city that knows we are stronger together and that values our multi-racial heritage. Justice will prevail.”
The Democrat mayor’s fiery comments earned a response from Trump’s incoming Border Czar, Tom Homan. On the Fox News Channel with host Laura Ingraham, Homan said, “We got children dying on the border every day. We got women being sexually assaulted by the cartels every day. Someone is going to die on the border tonight. Women are being raped on the border tonight. So what’s cruel about securing that border and saving lives, first of all? But I’ll give her the same warning I’ve given the rest of the sanctuary city mayors and the governors: you can not help us. That’s fine. You should get the hell out of the way, then, ’cause we’re going to do the job.”
Homan also stated, “And we got one hell of an attorney general coming in, Pam Bondi. I think she’ll read that statute the same way I do it. I’m not a lawyer, but I can read, and we’re going to have consequences of people violating the law and try to prevent us from doing our job.”
Romero appeared to be the loudest Arizona Democrat who stood against the announced policies and plans of the Trump administration, but she wasn’t the only one in opposition. Last month, Governor Katie Hobbs released an ambiguous post on her official X account, indirectly taking aim at the Trump administration’s forthcoming actions. She said, “Securing our border is not a red issue or a blue issue. It’s an Arizona issue and an American issue. I’ll work with anyone to secure our border while standing up to misguided policies that attack Arizonans.”
Thus far in her administration, Hobbs has resisted most attempts by Republicans to maximize Arizona’s resources and laws to better protect communities against the harms from illegal immigration. That resistance led to state legislative Republicans sending a border security ballot measure to voters this past November – Proposition 314, which gave local law enforcement more tools to combat illegal immigration across the state. Arizona Republicans are expected to continue to search for ways to assist the Trump Administration to stop the flow of illegal immigration into and through their state over the next two years.
This week, the Trump Administration may have received a legal boost to its future efforts to remove illegal aliens from the country. On Tuesday, a panel with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court’s judgment for the federal government in USA v. King County, which held that a local jurisdiction’s Executive Order, which prohibited fixed base operators (FBOs) from servicing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) charter flights, violated the law. That decision will likely be key in the new year, if and when local officials, like Romero, may attempt to obstruct the federal government’s actions when it comes to deportations and enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
