Proposition 314

A bid to temporarily block Arizona’s Secure the Border Act (Proposition 314), which allows state officials to jail immigrants for unauthorized border crossings, failed after a judge denied a temporary restraining order. The law, which took effect on July 14, enables local law enforcement to arrest undocumented immigrants and judges to issue deportation orders, bypassing federal immigration systems. Opponents, including the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project and the ACLU, may still seek a preliminary injunction during a scheduling hearing on August 11.

A federal judge dismissed a challenge to Arizona's Proposition 314, which criminalizes illegal entry as a state offense. The judge ruled the nonprofit Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Program lacked standing to sue, stating its claims of increased operational costs were speculative and insufficient to block the law.

Republican legislative leaders and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are defending a 2024 law (Proposition 314) that authorizes state judges to issue deportation orders and local police to arrest migrants. The Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project sued the state, arguing the law violates the Supremacy Clause by conflicting with federal immigration authority. The law could take effect by July 14, pending a court hearing on a potential block.

The ACLU is suing to block Arizona's Prop. 314, which criminalizes unauthorized border crossings and empowers state authorities to enforce immigration laws, arguing it conflicts with federal jurisdiction. The law, approved by 61% of voters in 2024, faces legal challenges similar to Arizona's previous SB1070 law, which was partially struck down by the Supreme Court in 2012.