Calls to Prosecute, Oust Ortiz Grow Despite Dem Pushback

The Arizona Senate Democratic Caucus issued a press release Thursday offering “unwavering support” for Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-24) after she publicly warned her community about dates, times, and locations of imminent federal immigration enforcement activity.

Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-18) defended Ortiz’s actions, declaring, “As an attorney, I can confidently state that Senator Ortiz has the protected constitutional right to warn her community of the areas within our state that could put families at risk of being separated and unjustly removed from the country without due process.”

Rather than address concerns from law enforcement, Sundareshan turned her focus on GOP lawmakers, calling it “offensive to observe the behavior of other Republican Senators who have piled on to fan these flames, despite their own track records of criminal speeding, felony indictments, and other ethical violations.” She further accused the GOP-led Senate Ethics Committee of having “failed to adopt rules and actively dismissed the legitimately criminal behavior of their own members.”

Republicans argue the Democrats’ framing ignores the reality that such public warnings can compromise operations, tip off suspects, and endanger officers. U.S. Congressman and Arizona Gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs (R-CD5) blasted the stance, saying: “We’ve now seen Arizona Democrats call law enforcement agents ‘hooded thugs’ and maliciously endanger their lives in the past week. They’re putting our agents and Arizonans at risk to create chaos for political points. Disgusting and unacceptable.”

The controversy follows remarks earlier this month by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D), who referred to law enforcement agents as “hooded thugs” during a radio interview — comments that sparked backlash from Republicans and law enforcement advocates.

Conservative talk show host Garret Lewis joined the criticism, tweeting: “The Arizona Democrats are for illegals and against law and order. Everyone needs to see this! Where are you @AZSenateGOP @AZHouseGOP?”

Lewis has called for a forceful and unified Republican response, urging party leaders to hold “a big unified AZGOP press conference” and warning that the GOP must “do more” to push back against what he sees as Democrats’ anti-law-enforcement agenda.

Garret Lewis Tweet

Critics argue the Democrats’ rhetoric and actions send a dangerous signal — prioritizing political posturing over public safety — while supporters claim it’s about protecting constitutional rights and community trust. The clash has reignited debate over Arizona’s role in federal immigration enforcement, with both parties accusing the other of putting politics ahead of the public good.

Insiders tell the Arizona Globe that the decision to schedule the ethics hearing now lies squarely with Senate Ethics Committee Chair Shawnna Bullock (R-2), after Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-15) filed a formal complaint. All eyes are on Bullock to see if — and when — she moves the process forward.

This is a developing story.