The Pinal County Attorney’s Office has announced its participation in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program. This federal partnership allows local agencies to engage in certain immigration enforcement duties, expanding collaboration through a task force model aimed at targeting violent offenders.
According to KAWC, the 287(g) program enables local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE under federal supervision. Pinal County’s involvement comes amid statewide debate over cooperation with federal authorities, particularly following Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ comments expressing resistance to certain federal immigration operations. Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, has challenged Hobbs in court, arguing that she discouraged such cooperation. Pinal County, known as a Republican stronghold, is one of the few jurisdictions in Arizona adopting the program, reflecting a regional focus on combating violent offenders with federal support.
As reported by ICE, there are three models of 287(g) cooperation: Jail Enforcement, Warrant Service Officer, and the Task Force model. The Pinal County Attorney’s Office has adopted the Task Force model, which allows immigration authority to be exercised during routine police duties. ICE documents show that the county previously used the Jail Enforcement model in 2020, marking this as a significant expansion of operational reach. The Task Force model is described by ICE as a “force multiplier” for targeting violent and dangerous offenders in non-custodial settings under federal oversight.
According to AZ Family News and ProPublica, only 10 out of Arizona’s 106 law enforcement agencies participate in the 287(g) program. This includes the Mesa Police Department and the Arizona Department of Corrections. Pinal County’s participation places it among a small minority of jurisdictions that have adopted expanded immigration enforcement authority. In a press announcement covered by ABC15, County Attorney Brad Miller highlighted the enhanced powers given to investigators sworn in as 287(g) officers, stating that this partnership aims to better protect the county.
At a press conference highlighted by The Epoch Times of Arizona, Miller cited an indictment case involving Ismael Ortega Hernandez for murder as an example of why enhanced enforcement is needed. He argued that Hernandez sought refuge in what he called a “sanctuary city” environment fostered by politicians such as Representatives Grijalva and Ansari declared that with the 287(g) task force partnership, there will be no sanctuary cities in Arizona because Pinal County prosecutors will actively track down and pursue offenders wherever they flee.
The Pinal County Attorney’s Office serves as the chief prosecutorial agency for Pinal County, overseeing criminal prosecution, victim advocacy, and public safety initiatives. The office works closely with regional law enforcement agencies and plays a central role in prosecuting felony offenses across one of Arizona’s fastest-growing counties. Led by an elected county attorney, it emphasizes community safety and deterrence of violent crime while cooperating with state and federal partners when appropriate.
