After Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ recent comments were seen as encouraging the use of “lethal force” against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the law enforcement liaison at the attorney general’s office resigned.
As Fox News’ Phoenix affiliate reported Sunday, David Harvey resigned in a letter to Mayes, even as she said her comments were misrepresented.
Mayes, who has filed 35 lawsuits against the Trump administration in the last year and is known for her aggressive advocacy, issued a statement on social media saying her remarks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were mischaracterized.
“The idea that I would want the life of any member of law enforcement put in danger is wrong, offensive, and an outright lie,” Mayes said. “Danger to law enforcement is the very thing I want to avoid in Arizona.”
What did Mayes say about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers?
Mayes, in a recent interview with 12 News, offered advice to protesters amid ICE’s increased presence in Arizona.
“Stay peaceful, stay restrained,” Mayes said. “You know, be respectful of each other and law enforcement. Don’t take the bait, because I think that’s definitely going on. They’re trying to bait people all across this country. And if you do that, everything should be OK, and I will protect you.”
Arizona’s expansive gun laws, a thriving gun culture and uniformed federal agents created “a recipe for disaster,” she said.
“We have a Stand Your Ground law that says that if you reasonably believe your life is in danger and you’re in your house or your car or on your property, you can defend yourself with lethal force.”
When asked to clarify, Mayes said, “It’s so important to have uniforms and to be identified, especially in a stand your ground law.”
She noted, “You’re not allowed to shoot peace officers.”
Mayes said she wasn’t giving people a license to shoot at federal agents.
“I am not suggesting that people pull out their guns. But this is a don’t tread on me state,” she said.
Republicans call on Mayes to retract her statements
Mark Lamb, a former sheriff who is running for Congress, called on Mayes to retract her statement.
“At a time when federal agents are being targeted, her words are reckless and dangerous. They risk legitimizing violence against those sworn to enforce the law,” said Lamb.
“You can disagree with immigration policy. You cannot undermine law enforcement or excuse threats against federal agents,” he said.
Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh said, “Mayes has proven she is unfit for this office.”
Turning Point USA COO Tyler Bowyer, in a social media post, also called for Mayes’ resignation.
Arizona Police Association Executive Director Joe Clure said Mayes’ comments made the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents potentially “more dangerous” than it already is.
“Words from elected officials matter,” Clure said. “It only takes one unstable individual to interpret such commentary as permission or encouragement to use deadly force against police officers.”
In a video posted to social media, Mayes noted the recent deaths of two Americans — Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti — during interactions with ICE, and said, “ICE’s behavior is destroying the public’s trust in law enforcement and putting every American, including local law enforcement, in danger.”
“It will take years if not decades to undo the damage that has been done over the past twelve months,” she said.
Republican Attorney General candidate and practicing attorney Rodney Glassman pushed back against Mayes’ apology video in a statement to the Deseret News.
“Since advising anti-ICE protesters on the legal justifications for murdering federal agents, Kris Mayes has released a ham-fisted non-apology instead of simply acknowledging that what she did is wrong,” said Glassman.
“Mayes is disrespecting law enforcement, plain and simple. It’s a wild thing to do as Attorney General and why Arizona needs a new one,” the attorney general candidate said, adding Mayes “is more interested in building a resistance resume than working for Arizonans.”