Arizona
AZ attorney general has advice for schools on immigration enforcement. Here’s the guidance
Reporter Daniel Gonzalez looks at immigration related protests
Daniel Gonzalez, Republic reporter, discusses protests related to President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Arizona’s Democratic attorney general has issued guidance to K-12 schools and colleges following the Trump administration’s rescission of a policy that had largely barred immigration enforcement at schools.
In a letter sent last week, Attorney General Kris Mayes addressed what she described as “one of the most important and frequent questions right now”: whether schools must allow immigration officials to enter nonpublic areas of campus.
“The answer to that question will frequently be ‘no,’” Mayes wrote.
Mayes wrote that except in emergencies, schools should “confirm that the law enforcement officer is acting pursuant to a valid judicial warrant” if federal immigration authorities “seek access to a student while on school grounds.” That warrant must be “signed by a neutral judge or magistrate based on a finding of probable cause.”
Schools are not required to permit entry to immigration officials based on ICE administrative arrest warrants, which are frequently used by federal immigration officers to perform their duties, she said. Mayes added that schools generally may not release students’ personally identifiable information unless in response to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
Mayes noted in her guidance that all students in the U.S. are entitled to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. That right was established by the 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe. The Arizona Constitution also guarantees access to a free public education for all children between ages 6 and 21 who reside in the state, Mayes wrote.
Mayes advised schools to “proactively plan for how to respond to the possibility of federal immigration enforcement” and “clearly communicate” the plans to students and parents.
“Confusion itself can cause great harm — leading to fear and changes in behavior, such as not attending school,” Mayes wrote.
Mayes’ advice echoes guidance that has been given to schools by other Democratic attorneys general and advocates nationwide in response to President Donald Trump’s threats of heightened immigration enforcement.
Trump’s Department of Homeland Security in January rescinded a long-standing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy that had largely prohibited immigration enforcement at or near “sensitive” locations like schools and churches. Lawsuits have since been filed to challenge the policy change, including by Denver Public Schools. A federal judge has temporarily blocked ICE enforcement at or near places of worship in response to a lawsuit from Quaker groups.
Some Arizona school districts and governing boards quickly reacted to the rescission of the sensitive locations policy. Among them was the Phoenix Union High School District, which in January told families that the district’s campuses were “safe zones” for all students “regardless of citizenship status.”
Phoenix Union’s Governing Board also adopted a resolution outlining plans for responding to requests by ICE for school access or student information. It stated the district does not collect information on students’ immigration status. Governing boards of Phoenix-area school districts, including Fowler Elementary, Balsz Elementary, Cartwright Elementary and Tempe Union have adopted similar resolutions.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, said he does not think ICE agents will enter Arizona schools to detain children. Horne said he thinks the policy change was intended to allow immigration officials to enter a school “if someone they want to arrest is hiding there.” He cited Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman’s statement that the policy change would mean “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
Horne said in January that the Arizona Department of Education, which he runs, was not planning to issue any formal guidance to schools related to immigration policy changes.
Will Arizona higher ed institutions cooperate with immigration officials?
A student group at Arizona State University named College Republicans United in January hosted a tabling event on the Tempe campus, calling on other students to report their peers to ICE. Several lawmakers and hundreds of students and community members called for the event to be barred from campus, but it was ultimately permitted by university officials who said they disagreed with the sentiment, but would not stop the group from meeting or discipline its members.
“Encouraging ASU students to make indiscriminate complaints to law enforcement about fellow students is not in keeping with the principles which underlie our academic community,” a statement from an ASU spokesperson read.
The handful of people with the club talked to very few students and ultimately left after being surrounded by hundreds of people marching in a peaceful protest.
A university spokesperson confirmed that no ICE agents had been on ASU’s campus. They said, typically, immigration officials would have a warrant and would coordinate with university police beforehand.
“It is the same way we would work with any law enforcement personnel that came onto our campuses,” they said.
The University of Arizona directed school employees to cooperate with non-university law enforcement in a broad communication about changing federal guidelines in higher education. An excerpt of the expansive document specifically told employees not to ”physically block or interfere with their entry or actions” and contact university police.
Another section specified that the university will release personal information “when legally required or in response to a valid court order, subpoena or warrant.” UA officials also highlighted existing resources for international faculty, staff and students.
The Maricopa Community College District sent immigration-related guidance to all employees in early February, according to a statement from the district. Each of the district’s colleges has designated people who have received training and can provide direction and support on responding to immigration inquiries, the statement said.
Attorney general’s guidance notes bullying prevention in schools
José Patiño of Aliento, an advocacy group that provides support for the immigrant community, said his organization has focused on reaffirming students’ right to a public K-12 education regardless of their citizenship status — something he said many families and educators do not know.
Most of the group’s work focuses on schools in Maricopa County, prioritizing ways to make students from immigrant families feel more included and prevent bullying based on a student’s immigration status.
Mayes’ guidance specifically highlighted bullying and harassment, noting laws that bar harassment on the basis of race and national origin. School district governing boards are required to supply ways for students and parents to report bullying anonymously, according to Arizona law.
While Patiño believes it’s unlikely for ICE agents to enter schools, he said he’s alarmed by growing division or the possibility that anyone would try to prevent a child from going to school.
“It just feels like I don’t recognize this country anymore,” Patiño said.
Madeleine Parrish covers K-12 education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.
Helen Rummel covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel.
Former Iowa State Cyclones star Milan Momcilovic is the player everyone is keeping an eye on during deadline day for prospects to make their final decision about the 2026 NBA Draft.
Will the sharpshooting forward keep his name in the player pool or withdraw to maintain his eligibility to play college basketball? Indications are leaning toward the latter, with NBA executives unanimously voting that he should return to school.
Which school would he be returning to? That is something that will have to be figured out because Momcilovic is currently in the transfer portal, as his focus has been entirely on the NBA draft and turning pro the last few weeks.
Recently, it was reported that the Arizona Wildcats were an emerging suitor for him. It looks as if they are going to have a void in their lineup at one of the forward spots with Koa Peat expected to remain in the NBA draft.
Is Arizona truly in the running for Milan Momcilovic?
However, that may have been more smoke and mirrors than their reported interest. As shared by Tristian Pharis of KY Insider and A Sea of Blue during an appearance on ESPN Radio Lexington, Arizona isn’t a team he has really heard connected to Momcilovic.
“I haven’t really heard Arizona. Most of the time it’s just the agent doing their job spreading rumors,” Pharis said, via their account on X.
Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, who shared the Momcilovic and Wildcats connection, responded to the post saying, “It wasn’t the agent who gave me the info.”
It will certainly be something worth keeping an eye on because the former Iowa State star is the No. 1-ranked player in the transfer portal. Any team that lands him is going to have its 2026-27 season outlook changed drastically, and in a good way.
It wasn’t the agent who gave me the info.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 26, 2026
There may be some flaws in his skill set, which he is aware of, that made NBA teams hesitant to want to select him in the 2026 NBA Draft. But his 3-point shooting is a truly elite skill that will improve any program he elects to join.
The Kentucky Wildcats have been viewed as the favorites to land him. The St. John’s Red Storm and Louisville Cardinals have been mentioned as possible suitors as well before Arizona came into the mix.
Whoever lands a commitment from Momcilovic is going to be paying a pretty penny. Reportedly, he could command $7 million in the transfer portal.
This past season, AJ Dybantsa of the BYU Cougars had the highest NIL valuation, somewhere between $4.1 million and $4.4 million. There were reports that some of the top big men on the market this year could get upwards of $5 million, which makes the reported $7 million number for Momcilovic truly shocking.
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Phoenix double murder-suicide: Parental filicide happens ‘too often’
A child safety advocate is weighing in after a Phoenix mother shot and killed her two young children, before turning the gun on herself. FOX 10’s Taylor Wirtz learns more about the marital separation that was in the works and the push for legislative change in these types of situations.
PHOENIX – A Phoenix community is still reeling from the murder of two children who police say were killed by their own mother. A memorial of balloons and stuffed animals continues to grow in the neighborhood where it happened near 47th Avenue and Bell Road.
Big picture view:
A cousin explained that the children’s father and the rest of the family are still trying to process the incident. Another mother who knows the pain of losing her children in this way also spoke about the situation.
It is a tragedy community members are still wrapping their heads around.
“Our brains can’t conceptualize that a parent, of any kind, a mother or father, can possibly kill their own children,” said Hope Hooton, a child safety advocate.
The backstory:
Phoenix Police said 38-year-old Andrea Davis shot and killed her 18-month-old daughter and 10-year-old son, Austin, before killing herself at their home. Prior to the double murder-suicide, Glendale Police said she shot and wounded a woman who was with her husband, Nolan, in the parking lot of Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill, located near 59th Avenue and Bell Road, texting him that she planned to hurt their children.
What we know:
“I can’t even imagine what my cousin’s going through right now,” said Felicia Queen, Nolan’s cousin.
Family members said the couple was heading toward a separation.
“Divorce papers were in the works,” Queen said.
Local perspective:
It is a pain that Hooton knows too well.
“It was 20 minutes away from where my children were murdered by their father in Surprise,” Hooton said.
Her two children were shot and killed by their father in 2024 following a custody dispute.
“My son Alec was seven, and my daughter Lydia was six,” Hooton said.
Dig deeper:
The act of killing one’s own children, filicide, is a term she wants everyone to know.
“From 2008 to 2024, there have been 989 filicide cases within the state of Arizona,” Hooton said.
Why you should care:
Hooton is now channeling her grief into change. The Alec and Lydia Act is now moving through the state legislature to protect children in custody disputes. Hooton shares this message with the Davis family.
“My heart is with you because I know exactly what you’re going through,” Hooton said.
What we don’t know:
It is not clear what the relationship is between Nolan and the woman shot in the Glendale parking lot, but when speaking with family members, they called her a friend.
What you can do:
Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Support in Spanish is also available. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide.
What’s next:
Phoenix police say they did not have any prior calls for behavioral health or domestic violence to their home.
Phoenix police will investigate the murder-suicide. Meanwhile, Glendale police will investigate the bar shooting.
The Source: This information was gathered from the victim’s family member, a child safety advocate and previous FOX 10 reports.
TUCSON, AZ — Carol Ross can’t stop smiling at dance practice as she shouts out the steps of a routine to members of her tap and jazz troupe for women aged 50 and older.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life, it’s the best,” said Ross, who founded the Rodeo City Wreckettes group 23 years ago at an age when many people are getting ready for retirement.
Now 87, Ross and her husband and lifelong dance partner John, 89, have long known what more older adults are now discovering: Moving to music is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Medical professionals say it doesn’t matter if it’s Western line dancing, ballroom steps, salsa, tap, Zumba at the gym, or with a group like the Wreckettes.
Anita Snow/Anita Snow via AP
“Dancing is one of the most powerful activities for older people,” said Julio Loya, a nurse and geriatric program coordinator at the Tucson Medical Center.
Why dancing helps balance, strength and more
Dance, like other exercise, can help people lose weight, get stronger, reduce fall risk, increase mobility and flexibility, and even improve brain health.
“It engages their brain, it changes their mood, and it connects them socially while getting them moving,” said Loya. “And it’s fun. Everybody has a good time.”
Dr. Tom Johnson, a gerontologist at the UC Health Seniors Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, said he remembers one man in particular whose passion for dance was so strong that he willed himself to attend one last class before he died in his late 80s.
“His No. 1 priority was that he danced until the day that he died,” Johnson said of his patient.
Johnson said dance can improve the balance of his patients at the clinic, which serves about 2,500 people 75 and older a year.
He said older patients can benefit from adding two to three dance sessions to the 150 minutes of aerobic exercise he recommends for them each week, because dancing often involves movements that help with balance, such as walking backward or standing on one foot.
Meeting people by dancing together
The Wreckettes practice their routines during two-hour sessions at least twice a week in a rented dance studio.
After studying ballet as a girl, then moving on to everything from ballroom to tap as an adult, Ross said it made sense to keep dancing when she and her husband moved from Philadelphia to retire in Tucson.
John Ross is a key part of the Wreckettes’ routines, typically joining his wife for at least one number. At one recent practice, it was a saucy saunter to Merle Haggard’s “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room.”
Anita Snow/Anita Snow via AP
“I learned early on that dancing was a great way to attract the chicks,” joked John Ross, who slid across the floor like a much younger man.
Wreckettes member Cindy Soffrin said that watching her mother suffer as she aged convinced her to stay active as she got older.
“My mom was sedentary the last 20 years of her life. It was pretty rough,” said Soffrin, 74.
For 67-year-old Gail Kowalski, joining the Wreckettes three years ago meant finding new friends after her husband died and she moved from Utah to Tucson.
“Plus, it’s so dang fun,” Kowalski said.
The fun of performing
The Wreckettes perform throughout the year, from holiday events to rodeo shows, dressing up in a series of matching sparkly costumes.
But they all said what they love the most is being hired by retirement homes to perform for memory care patients. Wreckette members take turns picking a favorite charity to donate their earnings.
“When we first arrive, people will be distracted or sleeping,” said Soffrin. “But once the music comes on, they perk up right away.”
A similar dance group for older women in Las Vegas, the Vegas Golden Gals, also performs at retirement homes, said Cheryl Cortez, the group’s president. They add pompoms to their routines.
“I must now know close to 40 routines,” said Cortez, 69. “And that alone has to be great for the memory.”
How to begin dancing when you’re older
If you want to start moving to music, here are some tips from health professionals and dance instructors:
- BEFORE STARTING: Check with your health provider before starting a dance or any exercise program. Choose something simple to start, like line dancing rather than intricate tango steps.
- FIND A CLASS: Check with a YMCA, parks and recreation department, or senior or community center. Community colleges often have dance classes, sometimes tailored for older people. Local dance studios and YouTube videos are other options. If you have Medicare Advantage insurance with the Silver Sneakers benefit, find out if your local gym has Zumba or other dance classes you can attend for free.
- BEFORE THE SESSION: Dress comfortably for easy movement, and warm up and stretch before class.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun! You are doing great things for your mind and body
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