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A state lawmaker from the Democratic party who informed the community about ICE operations could potentially face obstruction-of-justice charges, as per a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security.
After Arizona state Senator Analise Ortiz openly disclosed on social media that she alerted her community about ICE movements, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated in a message to Fox News Digital that the lawmaker is prioritizing illegal criminals over American citizens.
“Arizona state Senator Analise Ortiz is choosing to support violent cartels, human traffickers, and criminals over American citizens,” McLaughlin expressed.
“Informing the public about ICE law enforcement operations puts law enforcement at risk and undermines national security,” she added.
In response to inquiries from Fox News Digital about potential charges against Ortiz, McLaughlin replied, “This appears to be obstruction of justice.”
She referenced DHS data indicating an 830 percent increase in assaults on ICE officers.
“The ICE officers risk their lives every day to apprehend violent criminal illegal aliens and safeguard American citizens,” McLaughlin stated. “It is important to note that sanctuary politicians like Arizona Senator Analise Ortiz are contributing to the rise in assaults on our ICE officers by repeatedly vilifying and demonizing ICE.”
This development follows criticism from the conservative social media page “Libs of TikTok,” which called out Ortiz for posting alerts on her account providing updates on ICE operations in the area. The page posted a screenshot, supposedly belonging to Ortiz, warning in English and Spanish, “ICE is present,” and disclosing the location of federal officials.
Libs of TikTok stated, “Arizona State Senator Analise Ortiz (D) is actively obstructing and disclosing ICE by sharing their live locations on Instagram.” The page urged Border Czar Tom Homan, the DHS, and ICE to take legal action against Ortiz.
In response, Ortiz acknowledged informing her community about ICE activities, stating, “Yes. When ICE is in the vicinity, I will advise my community to steer clear of the area.”
Following the call for charges against her, Ortiz also remarked, “I’m not afraid of you or Trump’s masked enforcers.”
Subsequently, Arizona Senate Warren Petersen, a Republican, issued a statement reprimanding Ortiz: “Public officials are obligated to uphold the law and respect those who enforce it, not undermine them.”
Petersen mentioned that he had referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona for investigation, as it seems Ortiz may be violating federal law.
Ortiz continues to stand her ground, stating in a post, “I will not be intimidated. I will alert our community to avoid the area when Trump’s masked enforcers terrorize us all, regardless of citizenship. Trump disregards our laws and constitution. My responsibility is to protect people from his unconstitutional and authoritarian actions.”
