Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Vows to Fight Trump's Immigration Policies

Kris Mayes, the Attorney General of Arizona, has pledged to push back against former President Donald Trump’s anticipated immigration policies should he return to office in 2025. Mayes, a Democrat, stated that any attempt by Trump to remove protections for "dreamers" or set up deportation camps in Arizona would be met with strong legal opposition.

In an exclusive interview, Mayes emphasized that the protection of dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children—would be a "bright red line" for her. Arizona is home to over 30,000 DACA recipients, individuals who gained temporary legal status under the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Despite Republican challenges to the program, Mayes remains determined to safeguard their rights, calling them essential members of the state’s workforce, including teachers, police officers, and first responders.

Mayes expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court would ultimately protect DACA recipients, despite ongoing legal battles, particularly one pending before the conservative-leaning Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The attorney general also vowed to fight any efforts by Trump to establish mass deportation camps or reinstate family separation policies, which had caused significant trauma when implemented during Trump’s first term. "If Trump tries to engage in family separation, or build mass deportation camps, I will do everything I can legally to fight that. That is not happening in Arizona, not on our soil," Mayes stated, emphasizing that such policies do not align with Arizona’s values.

In anticipation of the challenges ahead, Mayes has been collaborating with Democratic state attorneys general from neighboring states, including California and New Mexico, to form a united front against Trump's policies. This cooperation is seen as critical in protecting immigration rights, especially in border states like Arizona, where immigration issues are central to political debate.

Mayes also addressed Proposition 314, a new Arizona law that allows state police to arrest undocumented individuals crossing the border unlawfully. While acknowledging the public’s frustration with the border situation, Mayes reaffirmed her commitment to fighting unconstitutional actions and protecting the rights of all individuals. She argued that the solution to the border crisis lies in increasing federal resources for border patrols and improving the prosecution of drug cartels, rather than relying on military intervention.

As Arizona's top law enforcement officer since 2022, Mayes has garnered attention for her strong stance on legal and political matters, including her prosecution of individuals involved in the 2020 election fraud conspiracy. She has made it clear that she will continue to pursue justice, regardless of political pressures.

Mayes concluded with a firm message: “I’m not afraid of anyone. I’m going to do my job, uphold the law and protect Arizonans. I’m going to do it no matter who is at the helm of the FBI.”