A senior staff member in the office of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes resigned following public backlash over comments Mayes made regarding potential interactions between residents and federal immigration enforcement officers. The controversy stemmed from remarks made during a televised interview in which Mayes discussed Arizona’s gun laws and how they intersect with immigration enforcement operations.
Speaking on 12News with host Brahm Resnik, Mayes addressed concerns about encounters between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Arizona residents. While urging people to remain peaceful and respectful toward law enforcement, she also referenced Arizona’s “stand your ground” law and the state’s strong gun culture, noting that these factors could create dangerous misunderstandings if federal agents are not clearly identifiable.
Mayes emphasized that individuals are not legally permitted to use force against police officers, but she expressed concern that masked or plainclothes federal agents could be difficult for residents to recognize. She said the combination of broad self-defense laws and a high rate of gun ownership could pose risks if people mistakenly believe they are being threatened by unidentified individuals.
Republican lawmakers in Arizona sharply criticized the remarks, accusing Mayes of mischaracterizing state law and potentially endangering public safety. Senate Republicans passed a resolution condemning the comments, arguing they could lead to confusion during law enforcement encounters. Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh said the attorney general’s statements could have serious real-world consequences for both officers and civilians.
Following the controversy, David Harvey, the attorney general’s law enforcement liaison, submitted his resignation. Law enforcement organizations, including the Arizona Police Association, also criticized the remarks, calling them inflammatory. Mayes has not retracted her comments, but the incident has intensified debate over immigration enforcement, public safety, and the responsibilities of public officials when discussing sensitive legal issues.