Arizona's Controversial Bill Targets Criminal Immigrants After Child Assault Case
A new bill in Arizona aims to tighten immigration enforcement after a high-profile assault case. Senate Bill 1213, sponsored by Sen. Janae Shamp, would require courts to alert federal authorities when criminal illegal immigrants are released from prison. The legislation also blocks these individuals from receiving probation in the state.
The proposal follows an incident involving Abel Gblah, a convicted sex offender accused of assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Phoenix.
Sen. Janae Shamp, a Republican from Surprise, introduced SB 1213 after Abel Gblah, a Liberian permanent resident, allegedly assaulted a child. Gblah had prior convictions for sexual conduct with a minor and human smuggling. Shamp argued that better notification could have prevented the attack.
The bill passed the Arizona Senate and includes several strict measures. It bans probation for criminal illegal immigrants and forces courts to inform federal agencies upon their release. Additionally, the legislation allows residents to sue local governments that restrict immigration enforcement, with fines from £500 to £5,000 per day until policies change. Shamp also pushed for SB 1544, which would have made state probation records public. That bill failed in the Senate. She now expects Gov. Katie Hobbs to veto SB 1213, calling it 'extremely partisan.' No official 2023 data exists on how many convicted criminal migrants were on probation in Arizona last year. Critics argue the bill prioritises immigration control over public safety. Shamp, however, insists the focus remains on protecting Arizonans from repeat offenders like Gblah.
If signed into law, SB 1213 would mark a major shift in Arizona's handling of criminal illegal immigrants. Courts would face new reporting duties, and probation for these offenders would end. The bill's fate now rests with Gov. Hobbs, who must decide whether to approve or reject the measure.
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