Arizona AG Kris Mayes voices opposition to Trump's deportation plans for 'Dreamers'

In a decisive stance against President-elect Donald Trump's immigration policies, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has voiced her strong opposition, particularly targeting the proposed deportation of DACA beneficiaries -- also known as "Dreamers," and the construction of deportation centers in her state.

Mayes, a Democrat, has promised to challenge any federal attempts to carry out Trump's plans within Arizona, as Fox News reports.

During an interview with the U.K. Guardian, Mayes criticized the plans for deportation centers, referring to them as akin to "concentration camps" and completely unacceptable in Arizona.

Defending Dreamers and Resisting Deportation Camps

Mayes has been a vocal defender of the Dreamers, individuals protected under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She underscored that any deportation efforts against them cross "a bright red line."

Asserting her role, Mayes stated, "I will not stand for an attempt to deport them or undermine them. I will do everything I can legally to fight [family separation or construction of deportation camps]. Not on our soil." These remarks underscore her commitment to using her legal authority to oppose these federal actions.

The DACA program, stemming from elements of the DREAM Act proposed in 2001 but never passed, currently protects many young immigrants from deportation, recognizing their contributions and roots in the U.S.

Supreme Court Decisions and State Cooperation

The Supreme Court has previously ruled against efforts by Trump to terminate DACA in the case DHS v. University of California, providing a precedent that supports Mayes' optimism about judicial backing for Dreamers.

Mayes is preparing strong legal arguments to defend these protections in court, reflecting her belief in the judiciary's role in upholding individual rights. She noted, "I think the Supreme Court will ultimately see the merits of protecting them. We want to give the courts the opportunity to make the right decision here, and we’ll be making very strong arguments on that proposition."

In contrast to Arizona's approach, Texas has taken a different stance on immigration enforcement, as noted by Mayes, highlighting a division among border states.

Focus on Crime Rather Than Broad Deportations

Emphasizing a targeted approach to immigration enforcement, Mayes expressed her preference for focusing resources on removing violent offenders and members of drug cartels rather than broad deportation strategies.

This approach aligns with her broader vision for border security, which advocates for enhancing federal resources to bolster Border Patrol capabilities and legal prosecutions instead of deploying the National Guard for immigration enforcement purposes.

Mayes criticized former border czar Tom Homan's strategies as potentially abusive, reflecting her commitment to humane and constitutionally sound immigration practices.

Constitutional Rights at the Forefront

Furthering her commitment to due process and individual rights, Mayes, along with counterparts from New Mexico and California, has pledged to stand against unconstitutional measures. "We are going to fight for due process and for individual rights," she stated, emphasizing the coalition's dedication to upholding legal standards.

Mayes also addressed concerns related to Arizona's fentanyl crisis, acknowledging the need for a secure but fair border policy that respects constitutional rights. She believes that Arizona voters do not support policies that would undermine these rights.

Attempts by Fox News Digital to obtain comments from Team Trump and Arizona’s Republican congressional delegates on Mayes' statements went unanswered by press time, highlighting the contentious nature of this debate.