Arizona attorney general warns Trump deporting Dreamers would be a ‘bright red line’
Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, recently made headlines for her bold stance against President-elect Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. In an interview with the U.K.’s Guardian, Mayes declared her unwavering opposition to the construction of deportation centers, which she likened to “concentration camps,” in Arizona.
Mayes, a Democrat, passionately defended Dreamers, individuals protected under the Obama-era DACA program. She firmly stated that any attempts by the federal government to deport Dreamers or undermine their rights would be met with fierce resistance from her office. “I will not stand for an attempt to deport them or undermine them,” Mayes asserted. “I will do everything I can legally to fight family separation and the construction of deportation camps.”
The term “Dreamer” originates from the DREAM Act, a legislative proposal aimed at providing relief and educational opportunities for undocumented minors. Despite several attempts to pass the DREAM Act in Congress, it has never become law. Former President Obama implemented parts of the legislation through DACA, which protected young immigrants from deportation.
President Trump’s efforts to dismantle DACA were halted by the Supreme Court in DHS v. University of California. Mayes expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would recognize the importance of protecting Dreamers and vowed to make strong legal arguments in their defense.
In response to mass deportation proposals from Trump and his administration, Mayes emphasized the potential for abuse within the immigration system. She clarified that her focus is on removing violent criminals and members of drug cartels from the country, rather than targeting innocent individuals.
Mayes highlighted the importance of border-state cooperation on immigration issues, noting that attorneys general from New Mexico and California stand united with her on defending due process and individual rights. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis and border security, Mayes advocated for increased federal resources for Border Patrol and prosecutions of cartel-linked individuals.
In the Guardian interview, Mayes underscored her commitment to upholding the Arizona and U.S. Constitutions, emphasizing that Arizonans did not vote for policies that violate fundamental rights. Despite reaching out to Team Trump and Republican lawmakers from Arizona for comment, Fox News Digital did not receive a response at the time of publication.
As Arizona’s top law enforcement officer, Kris Mayes continues to be a steadfast advocate for immigrant rights and due process. Her outspoken opposition to draconian immigration policies serves as a testament to her commitment to upholding justice and defending the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
