by Matthew Holloway | Jan 31, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
A bill requiring local law enforcement agencies to notify federal immigration authorities when arresting illegal immigrants advanced out of committee Monday in the Arizona Legislature.
Senate Bill 1055, sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), cleared the Military Affairs and Border Security Committee with Republican support on Monday. The bill would require local law enforcement to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “immediately when a law enforcement official or agency arrests an individual who is unlawfully present in the United States.”
“When someone is under arrest and in the country illegally, local officers should be able to notify federal authorities without hesitation,” Rogers said in a statement. “Clear laws enhance public safety and honor those who serve, including our veterans who defend the rule of law. Arizona should prioritize clarity over confusion. If an individual is unlawfully present and under arrest, local officers must be able to inform federal authorities immediately to prevent dangerous individuals from being released back into our neighborhoods. This legislation promotes cooperation, upholds the rule of law, and respects our public safety personnel.”
The legislation is intended to clarify existing federal and state statutes governing the sharing of immigration status information among agencies and to establish specific circumstances in which notification is mandatory.
During the committee hearing, the bill drew Republican support and Democratic opposition. Rural Arizona Action, which OpenSecrets identifies as a Democrat-aligned advocacy group, argued that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is “out of control” during the hearing, according to AZCentral. The outlet reported that disruptive protesters interrupted the hearing on January 26 using whistles and chanting “Shame! Shame!”
SB 1055 passed out of the committee by a 4-3 vote, advancing in the legislative process with Arizona Senate GOP leadership stating, “SB 1055 is set for a full Senate vote after passing the Military Affairs and Border Security Committee with Republican support, despite Democratic opposition and hostile rhetoric during yesterday’s hearing.”
However, according to Legiscan, the bill is set to be heard first by the Senate Rules Committee before being considered on the floor, per standard legislative procedure. As of this report, the bill does not yet appear on the Committee’s agenda.
Senate Republican leaders said in the press release that the measure was designed to reduce confusion for officers on the front lines and “ensure that communities can trust that the law is applied consistently.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Ethan Faverino | Jan 21, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) has secured a much needed victory for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved more than $7 million in federal funding for critical local projects.
The allocation supports enhanced public safety for first responders and vital legal assistance for veterans, fulfilling the congressman’s commitment to prioritize these community needs.
The funding will benefit several key initiatives across cities in the district, including Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, and Arizona State University (ASU).
Funding Breakdown:
- City of Peoria: $2.85 million for Police Helicopter
These funds will enable the purchase of a police helicopter for the City of Peoria’s Public Safety Aviation Unit. The aircraft will provide rapid air support, strengthen public safety infrastructure, and meet growing demands across the West Valley.
- City of Phoenix: $1.9 million for Law Enforcement Simulator Training Equipment
The allocation supports the purchase of a helicopter training simulator for the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit, expanding training capabilities for flight crews and improving mission readiness in support of community safety.
- City of Surprise: $999,000 for Police Cruisers
The Surprise Police Department will use these funds to acquire 15 new, fully equipped police vehicles, strengthening its ability to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and support day-to-day operations.
- City of Glendale: $1 million for Police Radio Equipment Upgrades
Glendale Police Department officers will receive modern radio technology to replace aging equipment nearing the end of its life. The upgrades will improve field communications, incorporate officer safety features such as location tracking, and reduce malfunction risks.
- ASU West Campus: $500,000 for Veterans Legal Services Hub
ASU’s Veterans Legal Services Hub will expand free legal assistance to veterans, addressing service-connected criminal charges, discharge upgrades, disability claims, and other legal issues for veterans throughout Arizona.
Local leaders praised the congressman’s advocacy in securing these resources:
“I am grateful that the City of Phoenix is poised to receive these federal funds to modernize how we train our police officers. By equipping the Phoenix Police Department with state-of-the-art training technology, we will improve decision making, reduce operational costs, and strengthen public safety. Investing in advanced simulation technology helps our officers train safely, effectively, and with the highest level of preparedness for situations they may encounter on the job. I urge the Senate to pass this critical funding.”- Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
“Thank you, Congressman Hamadeh, for your efforts to support local law enforcement here in Glendale. The federal appropriation toward new police radios for the Glendale PD will enhance local capabilities and help make our neighborhoods safer.” – Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers
“The passage of this earmark is a win for public safety in Surprise. With this funding, we can modernize our police fleet and better support the officers who protect our community. I thank Congressman Abe Hamadeh for his partnership and support.” – Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor
“Congressman Hamadeh’s support for Peoria’s Aviation Unit demonstrates a real commitment to our city and the safety of our residents. Securing federal support for local priorities like this makes a tangible difference in our police and fire response capabilities. We’re grateful for Congressman Hamadeh’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of Peoria in Washington.” – Peoria Mayor Jason Beck
“On behalf of Arizona State University’s more than 24,000 veterans and military-connected learners, I sincerely thank Rep. Abe Hamadeh for his leadership and support of those who have served our nation. This Veterans Legal Services Hub at ASU’s West Valley campus will remove critical legal barriers, helping veterans and their families resolve issues related to service, housing, and justice so they can focus on successful transitions to civilian life.” – Pat Tillman Veterans Center Executive Director Shawn Banzhaf
Congressman Hamadeh, as a veteran himself, emphasized the importance of supporting those who serve our country and giving them the justice and support they deserve.
“I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funding for critical projects that will strengthen our local law enforcement agencies, allowing for increased training of our law enforcement professionals and giving them the equipment they need to proudly serve our residents,” stated Hamadeh.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jan 17, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Sen. Kevin Payne (R-LD27) has introduced legislation he claims will ensure law enforcement’s use of modern crime-fighting technology doesn’t slide into unchecked government surveillance. But critics say otherwise.
The bill, SB 1111, would create statewide standards governing how automated license plate readers, popularly known as Flock cameras, are used by police and other agencies across Arizona. The measure comes as concerns grow among residents and local leaders about the privacy implications of expanding surveillance tech in everyday life.
Under the proposal, data collected by these systems could only be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes, such as solving serious crimes or locating missing and endangered persons. The bill would explicitly ban the use of license plate data for general surveillance, political purposes, or non-law-enforcement activities. In an effort to ensure accountability, it also requires strict access controls, mandatory user training, detailed audit logs, and regular compliance reviews.
“This bill draws a clear line. We’re protecting innocent Arizonans from government overreach while making sure our law enforcement officers have the modern tools they need to keep our communities safe,” Payne said in a statement.
“Arizonans shouldn’t have to choose between their privacy and their security. This bill proves we can do both—defend individual freedom and back the men and women who put their lives on the line every day.”
Critics of the bill believe it is vaguely worded and would open the door to broad government surveillance with few safeguards.
“This is among one of the weakest bills I’ve seen when it comes to regulating license plate readers,” Dave Maass, director of investigations at Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), told the Arizona Mirror. “This bill is not going to do what the author says it is going to do.”
Flock cameras have been under heavy critcism from groups like the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, who wrote in an op-ed in November that “Arizona is home to some of the most Flock-saturated cities in the country.” The group warned that “Flock monitors your movement constantly, often without your knowledge, and always without your consent. You can turn off your phone. You can’t turn off a camera mounted on a pole. Every car you drive and every route you take is automatically logged, creating a permanent record you never agreed to.”
Flock Safety, the company behind the mass surveillance cameras used throughout Arizona, was compromised in December.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the absence of clear statewide guidelines has left residents uncertain about how and when sensitive data is collected, shared, and stored. Some cities and counties have already wrestled with local policies as questions about oversight and civil-liberty protections have surfaced.
Law-enforcement advocates say the technology has helped solve serious crimes and locate missing persons, while acknowledging that clear guardrails are necessary to maintain public trust.
Joe Clure, Executive Director of the Arizona Police Association, stated, “SB 1111 provides the tools law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe while putting firm protections in place against government overreach and privacy assurance to that same community. Cameras used to detect and apprehend suspects are invaluable in maintaining public safety and preventing criminal and terrorist activity. They also aid in the investigation and solving of crimes long after they were committed.”
SB 1111 will now proceed through the legislative process, where it is expected to draw fierce debate over how to strike a balance between crime-fighting effectiveness and individual privacy rights.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Jonathan Eberle | Oct 12, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A traffic stop in Arizona turned into a full arrest after what began as a speeding violation escalated into multiple criminal charges — and a surprising 911 call from the driver.
According to law enforcement sources, a deputy pulled over a vehicle for criminal speed (excessive speeding) earlier this month. During the stop, the driver allegedly placed a 911 call to report that his vehicle was being towed by the deputy.
When deputies pressed for identification and documentation, the driver was unable to produce a valid driver’s license or any legal identification. Further investigation revealed that he had outstanding warrants. Authorities also determined the individual had given false information to the deputy.
Because of the outstanding warrants and the suspected immigration status, the driver was arrested on multiple charges:
- Speeding (criminal speed)
- Providing false information to law enforcement
- Driving without a license or identification
- Violating active warrants
The deputy involved reported that once the driver realized the vehicle would be towed, he dialed 911, perhaps in an attempt to prevent the impound. The driver’s quote—“What happen you bro? I no speed my friend”—suggests he denied speeding and attempted to argue during the stop.
The video shows the deputy stating the driver has been in the country illegally “at least” since 2011, and it is likely that immigration enforcement agencies will be involved depending on the outcome of the local criminal process. In many jurisdictions, collaboration exists between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, though policies vary by county and state.
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly turned into a broader criminal arrest after attempts to conceal identity and existing warrants came to light. As the case proceeds through the legal system, more details may emerge, including the driver’s identity, the exact charges filed, and whether immigration enforcement agencies will become involved.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Aug 4, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona’s Democrat Secretary of State Adrian Fontes fueled a new wave of condemnation during a Wednesday War Room segment of ‘Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos’ on KTAR with Republican Arizona Senator John Kavanaugh. During the segment, Fontes brazenly described law enforcement as “hooded thugs.” Fontes then went on to deny his words minutes later when called Kavanaugh, a former police officer, called him out for it.
Saguaro Group and Arizona Capitol Oversight founder Brian Anderson drew attention to the moment in a post to X writing, “Democrat @Adrian_Fontes just went on the radio and smeared Arizona law enforcement officers as “HOODED THUGS” for enforcing border laws … and then nervously claimed “I didn’t say the word thug” after Senator @JohnKavanagh_AZ called him out for it[.]”
Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs also called out Fontes on X, saying, “Arizona is less safe today because Democrats like Katie Hobbs and Adrian Fontes think our law enforcement agents are ‘thugs.’ Our safety is at risk. We cannot afford four more years of them in charge.”
In full context, Fontes began the exchange by responding to a question from co-host Bruce St. James, who asked how illegal immigrants are being selected for arrest and deportation. St. James asked, “How are these people [illegal immigrants] then being chosen picking picked out of a group then? What are the parameters people are using?”
Fontes answered, “Uh, whatever they are, they are un-Christian. I can’t see how anybody can say they’re a Christian and treat someone from another land in their own land this way. It’s mean is what it is. It’s mean-spirited. Uh, a lot of these folks are being picked up by, you know, hooded thugs in the street in the most un-American way. So, I just think the spirit behind this, whether or not the poll numbers are up or down, I mean, that’s kind of the window dressing here. At the end of the day, what we’re looking at is uh scaring the hell out of people on purpose because we don’t like them. And it’s an un-Christian-based way of not liking people because just cuz they’re from somewhere else.”
Defending the use of masks to protect officers from the dangerous leftist tactic of ‘doxxing’ law enforcement officers and their families, making them vulnerable to targeted violence, Kavanaugh called out the Democrat Secretary of State for his comment: “I’m proud to have been a cop for 20 years. I’m proud to have helped immigration when I was a cop.” Kavanaugh said.
To which Fontes replied, “I appreciate what law enforcement agents do when they do it to protect or to…”
But Kavanaugh, having none of it, cut him off, “But you call them thugs!”
Fontes immediately denied the words he had spoken just over four minutes before, claiming, “I didn’t say the word thug. Now you’re lying.”
Kavanaugh then challenged him, “Play the tape. What? What? Mask thugs, or did you use a similar derogatory term? You didn’t say law enforcement officers.”
Fontes avoided the question and continued to attack the enforcement of immigration laws, saying, “You remove humanity, dignity, mercy, and decency from governance. What you’re doing is saying the most powerful will rule over the least without mercy.”
However, Kavanaugh wouldn’t let the comment pass unanswered, “So when I was a cop and I locked up somebody who committed a crime, I was a thug? I was not being humane because I enforced the law?”
Fontes answered conditionally, “When the law is amnesty, and people are fleeing places where they might get killed if they stay there?” He continued, claiming, “This home of freedom is now turning into a place of fear because of these ridiculous policies.”
Kavanaugh replied tersely, “People being removed do not have claims of asylum. If they did, they’d be on hold.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
