Arizona
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in Arizona.
Overview
State context
Arizona has one of the most significant histories of aggressive immigration enforcement in the country. SB 1070 (2010), while partially struck down, established a culture of enforcement cooperation. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office under Joe Arpaio operated aggressive 287(g) enforcement for years. ICE maintains a strong presence, particularly along the southern border and in the Phoenix metro area.
ICE activity
Arizona has among the highest ICE enforcement activity in the nation due to its border location. Interior enforcement operations are frequent in Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding communities. Border Patrol operates interior checkpoints on major highways.
School policies
No statewide school protection policy. Some school districts in the Tucson area have worked to maintain welcoming environments for immigrant families, but without formal warrant-based policies. The state legislature has been hostile to sanctuary-type policies.
Notes for advocates
Arizona's Proposition 300 (2006) restricted access to in-state tuition for undocumented students. The DREAM Act community has been active in the state. Tucson Unified School District has faced its own political battles and has generally worked to support immigrant students. Community organizations provide significant know-your-rights support.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.