Jerry Sheridan speaking with attendees at the 2024 Arizona Young Republicans State Convention at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo: Gage Skidmore)
Sheridan Walks Tightrope on Immigration Enforcement
The Maricopa County Sheriff faces tough line between support and court order
By Christy Kelly, March 23, 2025 6:59 am
Sheriff Jerry Sheridan is trying to find the right balance when it comes to immigration enforcement in Maricopa County under the Trump Administration. While he wants to support federal immigration efforts, a major court case from the past has tied his hands in some important ways.
Sheridan participated in an interview with KTAR, and the headline read, “Maricopa County Sheriff says he is not helping President Trump with mass deportations.” Precinct Committeeman and political insider Lois Shugarr, along with many other Republican leaders, immediately condemned the sheriff based on this headline.
Back when Joe Arpaio was Sheriff, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was found guilty of racial profiling in a lawsuit called Melendres v. Arpaio. Because of that ruling, the court put strict limits on what MCSO can do when it comes to illegal immigration. Specifically, deputies are not allowed to stop or detain people just because they suspect they’re in the country illegally—unless those individuals are also committing a state crime.
In the KTAR interview, Sheridan made it clear: “We are under a court order not to be involved in any illegal immigration issues unless they commit a state crime.”
Even though his deputies can’t go out and enforce immigration laws directly, Sheridan is still working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He told The Arizona Globe directly and KTAR during the interview that he is honoring ICE detainers. Sheridan allows ICE officers into the county jails to screen inmates and decide who might be eligible for deportation. Many cities are “resisting” the Trump administration’s ability to access the jails, not Sheridan.
Sheridan’s approach highlights the complexity of immigration enforcement while under a court order. Although prohibited from direct involvement in immigration matters, he continues to support federal efforts by facilitating ICE access to county jails. This tightrope walk reflects an ongoing effort to comply with legal constraints while cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
Sheridan told the Globe, “The headline is misleading.” He continued, “Having ICE in the jail is not the same as cooperating with ICE.” Furthermore, “The Trump administration has not reached out to me for anything further.”
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