Arizona Democratic AG Kris Mayes Sparks Outrage Over Remarks on Masked ICE Agents
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is facing mounting criticism after comments critics say dangerously blurred the line between lawful self-defense and violence against federal law enforcement. The Democratic attorney general made the remarks during a televised interview following her announcement of a new state initiative aimed at documenting and reporting alleged misconduct by federal officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
During the interview with 12News reporter Brahm Resnik, Mayes was questioned about how Arizona residents should respond to ICE operations, particularly when agents are masked or not wearing traditional uniforms. As Townhall reported, Resnik repeatedly pressed Mayes on whether her comments could be interpreted as encouraging violence, directly asking whether citizens had “license” to shoot a peace officer.
Rather than clearly shutting down that implication, Mayes raised a hypothetical scenario in which a civilian might claim confusion.
“If somebody comes at me, wearing a mask, and I can’t tell whether they’re a police officer, what am I supposed to do?” Mayes said.
She went on to argue that Arizona’s self-defense and stand-your-ground laws, combined with federal agents operating while masked, have created what she described as a “combustible” situation.
Those remarks quickly drew condemnation from law enforcement groups across the state. The Arizona Police Association accused Mayes of recklessly endangering officers by publicly speculating about when deadly force against law enforcement might be legally justified.
Arizona Police Association Executive Director Joe Clure warned that the attorney general’s comments risk escalating tensions in an already dangerous profession. While acknowledging that Mayes initially urged protesters to remain peaceful, respectful, and restrained, Clure said the interview soon took a troubling turn.
According to Clure, once the discussion shifted to self-defense laws and the use of deadly force, Mayes began outlining scenarios in which someone could attempt to claim legal justification for shooting a law enforcement officer.
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Clure emphasized that law enforcement officers routinely operate in plain clothes or wear face coverings for safety and operational reasons, particularly during sensitive or high-risk missions. ICE agents, he noted, are sworn federal officers carrying out lawful duties under federal authority.
Publicly entertaining the idea that such officers might be mistaken for criminals and lawfully shot, Clure warned, sends an extremely dangerous message.
“Words from elected officials matter,” Clure said, cautioning that unstable individuals could interpret such rhetoric as permission to act violently against police.
“Law enforcement is inherently dangerous work. Recent public comments by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes have the potential to make it even more dangerous, Clure said.
He continued by recounting the interview in detail:
“During a televised interview with 12News journalist Brahm Resnick regarding a potential ICE deployment in Arizona, the Attorney General was asked whether she had a message for protesters. She responded by urging them to remain peaceful, respectful, and restrained, stating she would ‘protect’ them. That message, standing alone, was appropriate,” he said.
“However, the interview quickly shifted to a discussion of Arizona’s self-defense and ‘stand your ground’ laws. In that context, Attorney General Mayes went on to describe scenarios under which a person could claim legal justification for shooting a law enforcement officer, specifically citing the possibility that ICE agents might not be easily identifiable due to masks or nontraditional uniforms.
“Even the interviewer expressed concern and attempted to redirect the conversation. Despite this, the Attorney General continued to outline how deadly force could be justified against law enforcement officers under those circumstances,” Clure said.
He concluded with a stark warning about the broader implications of such framing.
“This framing is deeply troubling and dangerous. Law enforcement officers at every level including state, local, and federal agencies do not always wear traditional uniforms. Officers across Arizona, including members of the Attorney General’s own investigative teams, routinely operate in plain clothes or wear protective face coverings when circumstances require it. This does not diminish their legal authority or status as law enforcement,” he said.
As President Donald J. Trump’s administration continues to enforce federal immigration law and restore respect for law enforcement nationwide, critics argue that statements like Mayes’ undermine public trust, embolden radical activists, and put the lives of officers at risk—all while cloaked in the language of legal theory and political activism.