On May 2, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs officially vetoed House Bill 2099, legislation that would have expanded the duties of the governor and attorney general in relation to immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.
In a letter addressed to Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Governor Hobbs reaffirmed her constitutional commitment, stating that she swore to uphold both the U.S. Constitution and the Arizona Constitution upon assuming office. Hobbs emphasized that decisions affecting Arizona should be made by Arizonans, not by politicians in Washington, D.C.
“Arizonans, not Washington, DC politicians, must decide what’s best for Arizona,” Hobbs wrote. She pointed to her administration’s efforts to collaborate with federal agencies on border security through initiatives such as Task Force SAFE, Operation Desert Guardian, and the Border Coordination Office. These programs, according to Hobbs, focus on stopping fentanyl at ports of entry and disrupting cartel operations to protect local communities.
While expressing continued support for working with the federal government on “true border security,” Hobbs rejected the premise of HB 2099, arguing that it would force state officials to take “marching orders from Washington, DC.” She stated her priority is on “delivering real results for Arizonans,” not surrendering state autonomy.
The veto marks a continuation of Governor Hobbs’ approach to immigration enforcement—one that supports collaboration but stops short of mandated state compliance with federal immigration directives. HB 2099 is one of several bills this legislative session aimed at increasing Arizona’s involvement in immigration enforcement.
The future of HB 2099 now depends on whether the Republican-controlled legislature will attempt an override of the governor’s veto.
