The political climate in Arizona has intensified following an announcement by the Senate President, Warren Petersen, calling for a criminal investigation into State Senator Analise Ortiz (D). This request stemmed from Ortiz’s recent Instagram post, where she alerted her followers about the presence of ICE officers, suggesting potential immigration raids in the area. Petersen stated that he had referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, indicating that Ortiz may have violated federal law.
In a statement, Petersen, who is also campaigning for the position of Arizona Attorney General, expressed his support for ICE, emphasizing the agency’s role in enforcing immigration laws. He remarked, “Arizona Senate Republicans stand firmly in support of ICE and the important work they do to uphold our nation’s immigration laws and protect our communities.” Despite requests for comment, Petersen did not respond to inquiries from Truthout regarding the investigation.
The political fallout from Ortiz’s post reflects broader national trends. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, Arizona has experienced a significant increase in ICE arrests. An analysis by Axios, utilizing data from the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Deportation Data Project, revealed that arrests nearly doubled from 450 in January to over 860 by June. Notably, the number of arrests involving individuals with no prior criminal charges rose from 18% to 28% in the same timeframe.
Another Republican lawmaker, State Senator Jake Hoffman, announced plans to file an ethics complaint against Ortiz, accusing her of “doxxing” ICE agents and endangering their lives. U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) supported these actions, stating, “There’s no excuse for intentionally obstructing law enforcement activities and putting agents’ lives and the public in danger.” Biggs, currently running for governor, chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance.
Despite the backlash, Ortiz has received a wave of support on social media, with many defending her actions as an exercise of her First Amendment rights. Progressive groups, including Progress Arizona, praised her for standing up against perceived intimidation tactics, asserting, “She’s doing what any real leader should be: standing up for our communities, sharing information that keeps us safe.” The Arizona House Democrats also criticized the investigation, labeling it an authoritarian tactic aimed at silencing dissent.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes condemned Petersen’s actions on social media, arguing that they represent a misuse of power. She stated, “Warren Petersen is using his position as Senate President to threaten and intimidate Sen. Analise Ortiz for exercising her 1st Amendment rights. That’s not leadership — it’s bullying.”
Ortiz’s post comes at a time when various communities nationwide are mobilizing against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Activists are volunteering with rapid response teams to document ICE activities and participating in “Know Your Rights” trainings. The response from Republican lawmakers highlights the escalating tensions faced by those who oppose such policies, including elected officials.
Recent events have underscored this trend, as federal agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) outside an immigration facility in Newark. Baraka was arrested while attempting to enter the facility, and McIver was detained during a congressional oversight tour. Furthermore, in New York, City Comptroller Brad Lander faced arrest inside a courthouse while attempting to assist a person targeted by ICE.
In the face of this backlash, Ortiz has remained resolute. Responding to calls for her arrest from a social media account, she declared, “When ICE is around, I will alert my community to stay out of the area, and I’m not afraid of you nor Trump’s masked goons.” Her determination reflects a broader commitment among activists to challenge immigration enforcement practices and advocate for community safety.
