Overview
- County Attorney Brad Miller announced the partnership on Dec. 8 and said collaboration with ICE has already begun, with investigators sworn in as 287(g) officers.
- The office joined the program’s task force model to work on operations aimed at human smuggling, human and drug trafficking, domestic violence, and crimes against children.
- Officials say the deal provides access to federal databases, training, and manpower and enables identifying, detaining, and referring certain suspects for deportation, with plans to prosecute smuggling cases.
- Civil‑liberties and community advocates, including the ACLU, warn the arrangement could deter immigrants and victims from cooperating with local law enforcement.
- Pinal County’s sheriff has used the 287(g) jail model since 2020, and roughly 10 Arizona agencies now participate in 287(g), as other jurisdictions report significant overtime and legal costs.