In a forceful statement this week, Speaker Steve Montenegro defended Senate Bill 1164, the Arizona Immigration, Cooperation and Enforcement Act (ICE Act), saying the bill is “about upholding the rule of law—not about race, not about discrimination, but about respect for our nation’s laws and those who follow them.”

Let’s be clear: this bill is a bold reinforcement of federal immigration cooperation, not a xenophobic stunt. SB 1164 expands the tools and authority of local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration agencies under programs like 287(g)—which allows state and local officers to act as immigration agents when certified.

What’s in the bill?

• MOA Mandate Optionality: The final version of SB 1164 removes the hard requirement for agencies to sign agreements with ICE, but encourages them to do so through state support and funding.
• Detainer Requests Enforcement: If ICE flags someone already in custody, local agencies must comply—provided the detainer is facially valid. This creates a clear legal pathway for Arizona to help detain and process removable aliens.
• Temporary Housing Agreements: County sheriffs and the Department of Corrections are empowered (and in some cases, required) to provide housing for immigration detainees, with costs to be covered by agreements with the feds.
• Legal Safeguards & Accountability: Law enforcement agencies that don’t comply with federal cooperation can now be investigated by the state Attorney General. If found in violation, they risk state funding being cut off. Plus, individual taxpayers are allowed to request legal action if the AG won’t step in.

In a time when border chaos is bleeding into everyday life, this bill is a no-nonsense assertion of state sovereignty. And it puts Arizona at the front of the line when it comes to cooperating with federal immigration enforcement—without forcing blanket mandates on local jurisdictions.

Critics might call it “anti-immigrant.” That’s lazy. This bill isn’t about turning away immigrants—it’s about turning away lawlessness.

In Speaker Montenegro’s words: “Protecting our borders is not anti-immigrant. It’s pro-law, pro-sovereignty, and pro-American.”

For the hardworking, law-abiding immigrants already here—SB 1164 sends a message: your sacrifice and respect for the law matter. For the criminals and coyotes abusing our porous border—it’s a warning: Arizona’s not playing games.

Photo taken by Gage Skidmore