Pinal County Attorney Defends ICE Agreement, Emphasizes Focus on Prosecuting Criminal Offenders

Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller issued a statement Friday defending his office’s participation in a federal immigration enforcement partnership, saying the agreement is intended to assist in targeting criminal offenders rather than broad immigration enforcement. 

According to InMaricopa and a post to X from the Pinal County Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Christy Kelly, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors has reportedly voted unanimously to launch legal action against Miller regarding his office’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

‼️New: Pinal BOS initiates LAWFARE to prevent @PCAOAZ contract with ICE. https://t.co/2LP2exqkmh pic.twitter.com/Lg0usDzBkk

— Christy Love Kelly✨ (@Kelly4Humanity) January 31, 2026

In a press release dated January 30, Miller said the 287(g) agreement allows the Pinal County Attorney’s Office to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cases involving known criminals operating in local communities.

“While the Pinal County Attorney will always discuss a compromise, he will never compromise on prosecuting dangerous criminals,” the statement said. Miller added that the agreement enables his office to assist federal authorities rather than “sit on the sidelines and wait for more residents to be victimized.”

📣PCAO will never compromise on prosecuting dangerous criminals. pic.twitter.com/b2zJUjBs5P

— Pinal County Attorney's Office (@PCAOAZ) January 31, 2026

The 287(g) program, authorized under federal law, allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with ICE to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision. According to ICE, the program is intended to identify and remove individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and who have committed crimes.

Miller’s statement comes amid an ongoing dispute between Pinal County officials over the scope of cooperation with federal immigration authorities. As previously reported by California Globe, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors has taken action challenging the legality of a 287(g) task force agreement entered into by the county attorney, while Miller has argued that his office has independent authority to participate in such enforcement efforts.

In Friday’s statement, Miller said his office “remains undeterred” in its commitment to prosecuting crime and advancing public safety.

The press release also highlighted Miller’s background as a veteran prosecutor with more than 17 years of experience, including service in the Sex Crimes Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

In a Friday press conference, Miller announced his intention to continue his office’s cooperation with ICE in deportation-related enforcement efforts, according to Wall Street Apes, saying in part, “Evil exists in this world, and it manifests itself through human trafficking, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and crimes against children. This office will do everything in its power to protect this community from these predators.”

Pinal County Arizona announces they will work with ICE for mass deportations⠀

"I'm here to announce a strategic partnership with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities"⠀
⠀
"Evil exists in this world, and it manifests itself through human trafficking, drug… pic.twitter.com/PIllxhXdSW

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) January 30, 2026

A spokesperson for the Pinal County Attorney’s Office said additional information regarding the agreement and its implementation would be released as the legal dispute continues.