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In recent weeks, we have heard deep concerns expressed throughout our community about the constant drumbeat at the national level regarding possible mass deportations and “roundups.� Language like this causes real-world consequences even before a single policy is enacted or statute penned.

Here in our community, children worry about their parents’ safety, teachers worry that students are starting to withdraw from school, employers are reporting that high-quality employees are slipping away, and law enforcement sees the kind of fear that causes a decline in the reporting of crime. Fear alone has a negative impact on both our beautiful community and the government attempting to serve its diverse character.

To be very clear, nothing as yet is written or published. No orders have been given to local law enforcement. At this stage, any forthcoming immigration plans remain speculative.

Nevertheless, we are deep in preparations. The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ City Attorney and Pima County Attorney legal teams are working together on a memo that will guide us on how to handle both ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Proposition 314 and any dictates we may receive from the federal government.

Good governments provide basic services like public safety, transportation, water, and waste management, and they conduct strategic planning of budgeting, investing, and community growth management. Good governments also ensure that their communities are stable and safe during times of uncertainty. Just in recent years, this team of leaders worked together to reassure reproductive healthcare providers and those in need of critical medical care that they could and should feel safe in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

This metro-area collaboration that served us so well in the reproductive health arena, is ongoing. As Sheriff Nanos puts it in his customary colorful way, we are neither the abortion police, nor are we deportation agents. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Chief Chad Kasmar has stated repeatedly that contrary to a national narrative, crime in the city is not driven by our immigrant population, and not one homicide or non-fatal shooting in 2024 was committed by a person without legal status to be here.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and Pima County have come together time and again, under significant pressure and in difficult times. We join together again to say very clearly and directly that it is not our intention to be immigration enforcers, and we want our people to feel safe throughout this community that we are so blessed to serve. As Mayor Romero says, “Together we are one.â€�