Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said Arizona’s stand-your-ground law could permit lethal force against masked, plainclothes officers who cannot be identified as law enforcement, while insisting she was not urging violence. She also launched a portal to collect allegations of ICE misconduct for investigation. Republican critics called the comments dangerous and politically motivated, and ICE said enforcement operations in Arizona will continue.
Arizona AG Spars Over Stand-Your-Ground Comments: Says Unidentified, Masked Agents Could Be Treated As Threats
Arizona Democratic AG Kris Mayes sparked backlash after saying the state’s stand-your-ground law could allow residents to use lethal force against masked ICE agents who cannot be identified as law enforcement.(Getty Images)
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes drew sharp criticism after saying the state’s stand-your-ground law could allow residents to use lethal force against individuals they cannot identify as law enforcement — including masked, plainclothes federal officers. Mayes emphasized the legal framework for self-defense while insisting she was not explicitly encouraging people to shoot Ice agents.
Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector and commander of Operation At Large CA, marches with federal agents toward the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on Aug. 14, 2025.
Mayes’ Remarks and Context
In an interview with 12 News anchor Brahm Resnik, Mayes described scenarios in which masked, plainclothes federal agents with little or no visible identification could create confusion for residents attempting to assess a threat.
A new law allows law enforcement in Arizona to shoot down drones suspected of participating in criminal activity along the U.S.-Mexico border.
"You know, 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," Mayes 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 your car or on your property, that you can defend yourself with lethal force."
The host pressed Mayes to clarify whether she was urging Arizonans to shoot federal officers. Mayes responded that she was not advising people to take up arms, but reiterated that existing self-defense law could apply when a person cannot confirm that someone is a peace officer.
Arizona gubernatorial candidate David Schweikert said Mayes' comments were "dangerous" and "attention-seeking."
Investigation Portal and Official Response
Mayes has launched a public portal on the state attorney general’s website where residents can report alleged ICE misconduct — including accusations of assault, unlawful imprisonment, or murder — which her office says it will investigate.
Federal law enforcement agents detain a demonstrator during a raid in south Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
ICE officials pointed to recent enforcement activity in Arizona, including arrests in Tucson, and defended continued operations. Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede said enforcement actions "have unequivocally disrupted this criminal organization’s ability to exploit our lawful labor and system of commerce" and warned that more operations will continue.
Political Fallout
Republican critics, including attorney general challenger Rodney Glassman and U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, condemned Mayes’ comments as "dangerous," arguing the remarks could endanger federal, state, and local law enforcement and were politically motivated. Mayes, elected in 2022, is up for re-election in 2026.
Fox News Digital and other outlets sought comment from the Department of Homeland Security and Mayes’ office; responses were not available at the time of publication.
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