Arizona’s 2026 legislative session is set to break records for the most bills introduced in the state’s history and it comes as no surprise that immigration has been one of the hottest topics.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have introduced numerous bills related to immigration enforcement, border security, protesting and documenting law enforcement activity.
“What I’m seeing is duplicative federal bills,” said Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D-Goodyear). “[Republicans] want to codify whatever the federal government is doing at the state level.”
In an interview with CALÓ News, she said state and local governments should not be in the business of enforcing federal immigration laws, saying it undermines community trust, public safety and local control.
Here are some of the anti-immigration bills moving, stalling or dying this session.
Senate Bill 1520
Introduced by Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff) and Sen. Mark Finchem (R-Prescott), the bill would require Arizona state agencies to share information upon request with the federal government about people who are in the country without legal status or who have overstayed a visa. The law would expire in 2028 unless renewed.
Wayne Wauneka, a Diné behavioral health worker, said the bill, “creates a system built on fear and surveillance instead of care and community.” He said it would prevent people from reaching out and receiving necessary mental and behavioral health services.
The bill passed through the Senate Military Affairs and Border Security committee along party lines and now heads to the Senate Rules Committee.
Continue reading: https://azluminaria.org/2026/02/16/a-breakdown-of-anti-immigration-bills-moving-through-the-arizona-legislature-in-2026/