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A judge sided with Pinal County Supervisors today and ruled against County Attorney Brad Miller, confirming that Arizona law grants the Board of Supervisors exclusive authority to approve County contracts and oversee spending. The judge also ruled that Miller exceeded his authority when he signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security without Board approval.
The Board argued the County Attorney’s Office was not allowed to sign a 2025 immigration enforcement agreement – which is also an intergovernmental agreement under Arizona law. Law enforcement authority rests with the Sheriff while the County Attorney prosecutes criminal cases and represents the County in civil matters.
“This Board has supported federal authorities and immigration enforcement for years,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McClure said. “This lawsuit is about whether elected officials must follow Arizona law, respect the limits of their office and properly safeguard taxpayer dollars. We are grateful that the Judge agreed and put a stop to Mr. Miller’s waste and abuse.”
During today’s hearing it became clear that a 287(g) agreement is not necessary for the Department of Homeland Security to share information with a law enforcement agency or the County Attorney. While the Board supports federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws in Pinal County and has approved a 287(g) agreement for Sheriff Teeple to provide immigration enforcement assistance in the County jail, the county attorney’s agreement exposed the County to liability including property damage claims, injury claims and excessive overtime costs.
“My deputies work with and share information with ICE on a daily basis and that will continue,” said Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple. “That is and has always been permitted under Arizona law for any law enforcement agency.”
The judge also ruled the agreement improperly expanded the role of County Attorney investigators by authorizing arrests, interrogations and detention-related activities that are under the authority of the Sheriff. He permanently enjoined Miller from performing any of the work under the 287(g) agreement.
“Residents expect county government to operate responsibly and collaboratively,” McClure said. “We support law enforcement partnerships that are properly authorized and fiscally sound. This lawsuit was about upholding those standards and protecting the people of Pinal County.”
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