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Senate approves bill directing county jails to hold certain immigration detainees after sharp debate
Summary
The Arizona Senate on March 10 approved Senate Bill 16 10, a measure requiring county detention facilities to hold certain arrestees for federal immigration authorities. Lawmakers debated due‑process risks, county resource impacts and public‑safety arguments before the 17‑10 roll call.
The Arizona Senate approved Senate Bill 16 10 on March 10, 2025, sending the measure to the House after a 17‑10 recorded vote. The bill directs county detention facilities to hold certain arrestees so U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may review and, where applicable, take custody.
Supporters framed the bill as a public‑safety measure. Senator John Kavanaugh, a sponsor and Republican, said the detention setting is the “safer place” to screen and remove criminal noncitizens and voted in favor.
Opponents said the measure risks deportations without adequate due process and imposes unfunded work on county jails. Senator Sundarization said: “This legislation will inevitably result in fast‑track deportations for people without any criminal convictions. ... I do not support the expansion of ICE in Arizona. I vote no.” Senator Miranda similarly said he did not support expanding ICE authority and voted no, citing examples he said showed people without criminal convictions being detained.
Senator Ortiz described a recent federal action he said illustrated the bill’s risks, referencing one detained individual and saying, “His wife is pregnant, terrified.” Ortiz argued the measure could extend to people who are lawfully present and raised civil‑liberties concerns.
The final roll call, as recorded on the floor, was 17 ayes, 10 nays and 3 not voting. Following the vote, Senate leaders instructed the secretary to transmit the bill to the House for consideration.
Why it matters: The bill changes how local detention facilities interact with federal immigration authorities and was debated as both a tool for removing criminal noncitizens and a potential expansion of ICE authority with county resource implications. The House will next consider the measure.
