Arizona Sheriff’s Association expresses concern over Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s actions

The Arizona Sheriff’s Association issued a letter Friday voicing its concerns about the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office allegedly not responding to requests for service.

The ASA received reports from state and federal law enforcement officials that the sheriff’s office declined calls for help regarding alleged violence, people being threatened and property damage, according to the letter.

It also alleged that Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway has talked publicly about directing deputies not to respond to calls associated with the current border-wall protest in Lochiel, except when violence is involved.

“Yet law enforcement partners have reported repeated requests for assistance involving alleged violence, threats and other criminal conduct that went unanswered,” ASA President and Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse wrote in the letter.

“These reports raise serious concerns about public safety and the fulfillment of the sheriff’s responsibilities under Arizona law. The duty to preserve the peace and protect the public cannot be set aside because an incident involved federal operations or politically contentious circumstances.”

Protesters are trying to stop border wall construction by occupying a cottonwood tree on the Mexican side of the border. On Monday, Border Patrol agents arrested at least 20 people and used a cherry picker to remove a protester from a more than 150-year-old cottonwood before cutting it down.

“The right to peaceful protest must be protected, but credible reports of criminal activity demand appropriate law enforcement attention,” Clouse added.

Association reminds Santa Cruz County Sheriff of his obligation, says it will step in if necessary

Clouse emphasized that while sheriffs serve as chief law enforcement officers for their respective counties, they are charged under state law with preserving the peace, making arrests and preventing as well as suppressing disturbances of the peace.

He added that a federal operation does not override a sheriff’s responsibilities and they must still assess and investigate reports of law violations.

“As independently elected law enforcement officials with distinct authority under state law; sheriffs are not subordinate to federal law enforcement agencies,” Clouse said. “Across Arizona, sheriffs coordinate with federal, state and local partners to preserve the peace, protect the public and uphold the rule of law. These relationships depend on mutual respect, clear communication and reliable assistance within each agency’s lawful authority.”

The president explained that when a county agency doesn’t respond to a report, the Arizona Department of Public Safety can step in when warranted.

“That does not automatically transfer every county call to DPS; it underscores the need for clear coordination and an appropriate response to credible threats and reported crimes,” Clouse noted.

He stated that should DPS request assistance for the situation in Santa Cruz County, ASA is ready to provide help through available resources and personnel.

“Our readiness to assist does not diminish the independent authority of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff or authorize an unrequested deployment. It reflects the shared commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect the people of Arizona,” Clouse said.

The ASA is comprised of sheriffs from Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Hathaway is not an association member after his membership was terminated due to concerns about his standing.

Related

Storms to continue in Valley with winds causing delays at Phoenix Sky HarborNew midtown Phoenix restaurant combines barbecue and seafood2-year-old boy dies after being pulled from pool at Phoenix homeSAFE Alert issued for missing 73-year-old man last seen in GlendaleSuspect outstanding after Phoenix shooting that left man seriously injuredDetails for 2026 Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade revealed