Democratic Arizona lawmaker draws GOP pushback with post about ICE activity

PHOENIX – A Democratic Arizona lawmaker created a firestorm this week when she shared information about a possible immigration raid on social media.

In fact, Republicans want Sen. Analise Ortiz to be investigated for tipping off the public to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in south Phoenix on her Instagram story.

“I spoke with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona and referred this matter to his office to investigate, as it appears she may be in violation of federal law,” Senate President Warren Petersen said in a press release. “Arizona Senate Republicans stand firmly in support of ICE.”

Petersen added that Ortiz would be facing scrutiny from the Senate if the Legislature were in session.

“Public servants have a duty to uphold the law and respect those who enforce it, not undermine them,” he said.

Post about ICE activity gets widespread attention

Ortiz’s post gained widespread attention when it was publicized by Libs of TikTok. The right wing social media influencer made a post on X about Ortiz that has over 15 million views.

Ortiz, who represents the west Phoenix-based District 24, told ABC15 she’s been receiving death threats over the incident.

However, she has indicated she isn’t backing down.

“I will not be intimidated,” she said in a post on X. “I will alert our community to avoid the area when Trump’s masked thugs terrorize us all, regardless of citizenship. Trump doesn’t respect our laws nor our constitution. My duty is to keep people safe from his unconstitutional and authoritarian actions.”

Ortiz has been a staunch critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. In April, she and other Democratic lawmakers walked out while Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, was addressing a joint session of the Legislature.

Fellow Arizona Senate Democrats and Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes are standing behind Ortiz.

PRESS RELEASE: Arizona State Senate Democratic Leadership Offers Unwavering Support of Senator Ortiz Amid Political Targeting pic.twitter.com/BDvh2mDMEv

— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) August 7, 2025

“Warren Petersen is using his position as Sen. President to threaten and intimidate Sen. Analise Ortiz for exercising her 1st Amendment rights. That’s not leadership — it’s bullying. I know he’s only been a lawyer for a year and a half but he needs a CLE on the Bill of Rights,” Mayes posted on X.

CLE stands for the continuing legal education courses lawyers in some jurisdictions are required to take to maintain their licenses. Mayes’ jab is particularly noteworthy because Petersen is running for attorney general next year.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs was questioned by reporters about Ortiz after an unrelated appearance in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Hobbs was more measured in her response than Mayes.

“I certainly have seen these posts and have concerns about the safety of our law enforcement officers — as well as the communities that they’re sworn to protect — and so I think that we should take our jobs as elected officials seriously and work to uphold the safety of law enforcement officers and our communities,” Hobbs said.

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