Gov. Hobbs working with law enforcement to ensure public safety ahead of potential ICE surge

PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs said she is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to prepare for potential tensions between protestors and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

“Any elected official who tells you ‘I can keep ICE out of Arizona,’ they’re not telling the truth,” Hobbs told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on Tuesday. “We can’t. They’re federal agents. They can come in here. We have to be prepared.”

Her comments followed widespread protests in Minneapolis after the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross, as well as reports that Phoenix could become the next hotspot for ICE activity.

“I’m horrified, like many Americans, about what we’ve seen in Minneapolis,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs reacts to anti-ICE protests in Minnesota, National Guard concerns

The Democrat said she is taking action to prioritize public safety in case Arizona sees similar immigration crackdowns and anti-ICE protests.

“We are working with our law enforcement agencies to be prepared and ensure that people are safe, law enforcement is safe, people showing up to express their displeasure are safe and that we maintain orderliness in our communities,” Hobbs said.

In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz directed the National Guard to be ready in case they were needed to keep the peace after the shooting.

“I certainly would not hesitate to use the National Guard to help ensure safety see and orderliness in our communities if that needs to happen,” Hobbs said. “It’s not their job to babysit, but … if we’re saying one organization is not acting lawfully, we can’t break the law to bring in another organization to monitor that.”

Hobbs addresses reported spike in ICE activity in metro Phoenix

However, it should be noted that Hobbs has not been able to confirm any potential surge in ICE activity across the Valley.

“I’ve reached out to the administration, and I can’t confirm anything about their plans here,” Hobbs said.

If that changes, she said she will inform Arizonans about what’s happening.

“When Trump ran, he promised to go after the worst of the worst,” Hobbs said. “Going after people, indiscriminately rounding them up for no other reason than they’re trying to meet deportation quotas and check some political points, is not making us safer.”

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