Arizona Police Association official calls AG Mayes’ comments ‘reckless’ and ‘dangerous’

PHOENIX – One of Arizona’s largest police groups has a big problem with recent comments by Attorney General Kris Mayes about ICE and the state’s Stand Your Ground law.

Joe Clure, executive director of the Arizona Police Association, called Mayes’ message “reckless” and “dangerous” in an interview Friday with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show.

“I was in complete shock when I heard the … highest law enforcement official in the state of Arizona essentially giving a tutorial on how to shoot a police officer, specifically ICE agents, and get away with it,” Clure said.

What did Attorney General Kris Mayes say about ICE, Stand Your Ground law?

The controversy began earlier this week when Mayes expressed concerns that confrontations between Arizona residents and ICE could turn deadly in an interview with 12News. She called the combination of armed residents who are empowered under the law to defend themselves and mask-wearing agents without uniforms “a recipe for disaster.”

Mayes talked further about the issue Thursday during an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken. She explained that under Arizona law, residents who reasonably believe their lives are in danger can use lethal force to protect themselves.

“If you are really sure that they are ICE and they present a badge or they present identification, then I would not recommend using lethal force against them. But one of the worries that I have is … that we have a Stand Your Ground law in Arizona,” she said.

Clure, whose organization represents more than 12,000 law enforcement professionals across the state, took issue with Mayes’ implication that ICE agents might not be clearly identifiable as law enforcement officers. He said they always have badges and markings visible that indicate who they are in the videos he’s seen.

“So, for her to even go there was completely irresponsible and very reckless and dangerous to not just ICE officers, but all Arizona law enforcements who routinely are not always dressed in a typical police uniform,” he said.

Arizona Police Association official questions Mayes’ advice, motives

Clure also accused Mayes of misinterpreting Arizona’s Stand Your Ground law because it doesn’t allow for lethal force against law enforcement officers performing official duties.

“I think she gave some real reckless legal advice, if you want to call it that, or real reckless, I’ll say, reckless commentary on the subject matter. You can’t just shoot police officers because they’re coming into your home,” he said.

Clure also suggested that Mayes, a Democrat who is running for reelection this year, had political reasons for her comments.

“She made a very deliberate effort and concerted effort to make these comments … and the only thing I can derive from it was an attempt to collect political points, because it was completely unnecessary.”

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