Arizona Anti-ICE Protests Intensify as Maricopa Sheriff Vows to Protect ICE, Enforce Law

Low-level but recurring protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have begun appearing across the Phoenix metropolitan area, as Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan publicly reaffirmed that his office is cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Demonstrations have been reported at multiple locations around the Valley in recent weeks, including outside an ICE field office in Phoenix and along West Valley roadways. Local media outlets have described the gatherings as relatively small but persistent, reflecting growing opposition to federal immigration enforcement activity in Arizona’s most populous county.

EXPOSED 🚨 Phoenix Arizona ICE protesters and ICE community watch is being organized by PSL Phoenix (The Party for Socialism and Liberation, a Marxist/ Communist political party)

They are funded by CCP connected billionaire Neville Roy Singham and dark money ties to George Soros… pic.twitter.com/czGc8gcBCU

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) January 19, 2026

The protests follow heightened national attention on ICE operations and reports of an anticipated increase in federal enforcement activity in the Phoenix area. According to KJZZ and other Arizona outlets, federal officials have identified metro Phoenix as a potential focal point for expanded immigration enforcement, prompting concern from advocacy groups and elected officials about community impact.

Sheridan initially warns, then clarifies

Sheriff Sheridan was drawn into the debate earlier this month after comments he made during a radio interview suggested he would intervene if ICE agents were acting unlawfully within Maricopa County.

In a January interview with KTAR News, Sheridan said that if federal agents violated the law, his office would respond accordingly, noting that he has previously arrested and charged members of his own agency when necessary. The remarks were widely circulated online and interpreted by some as signaling potential resistance to ICE operations.

Reports predict a spike in ICE activity in Phoenix. Gaydos wonders might happen considering what's going on in Minneapolis.

"If they're doing something that is illegal, unlawful, the sheriff will be there," Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan tells @OutspokenKTAR. pic.twitter.com/G8NDGiNp5N

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) January 15, 2026

Days later, Sheridan issued a clarification.

On January 17, the sheriff released a video statement emphasizing that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is cooperating with ICE and intends to protect federal agents who are lawfully performing their duties. The video was reported by Arizona’s Family (3TV/CBS 5) and shared on social media by Sheridan.

Clarification on my relationship with ICE apparently is needed after an interview on KTAR radio last Wednesday.
During that interview, I was asked a very straightforward question about if ICE broke the law what would I do about it. I gave a very short & straightforward answer… pic.twitter.com/E6PtBOF9cw

— Sheriff Jerry Sheridan (@JerrySheridan24) January 17, 2026

“We do work with ICE and cooperate with ICE,” Sheridan said in the video, adding that anyone who interferes with federal officers conducting lawful enforcement actions would be subject to arrest.

Sheridan also confirmed that ICE agents are currently embedded within the county’s jail intake facility, a point MCSO has highlighted in public communications.

Protests continue amid enforcement concerns

Despite the clarification, protests have continued across the metro area. Fox 10 Phoenix reported demonstrations in Surprise, where protesters and counter-protesters gathered along major roadways to voice competing views on immigration enforcement. ABC15 and Arizona’s Family have reported similar demonstrations in Phoenix, including protests outside an ICE office and at commercial locations where federal agents were allegedly conducting operations.

Immigration advocates interviewed by local media expressed concern that closer cooperation between MCSO and ICE could increase fear within immigrant communities, particularly among mixed-status families. Some protesters said they plan to continue demonstrating as long as federal enforcement activity remains elevated in the Valley.

At the same time, Sheridan’s reaffirmation of cooperation has drawn support from conservative officials and commentators, who argue that local law enforcement should assist federal authorities and maintain public order during protests.

For now, the sheriff has signaled a firm but narrow position: Maricopa County will cooperate with ICE, protect lawful federal operations, and arrest anyone—agent or protester—who breaks the law.