Yesterday, January 21, 2026, marked a significant turning point for Pinal County. The community showed up in force to the Board of Supervisors meeting in Florence, and the results were a testament to the power of collective action.
For our Voices for the Rare community, this was more than just a meeting; it was our first major engagement of the year, and it was a victory on two fronts: protecting the civil rights of our immigrant neighbors and opening a new door for our residents living with disabilities.
The primary focus for many was the controversial 287(g) task force model agreement that the Pinal County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) had attempted to enter into with ICE.
The Board of Supervisors, acting on a legal opinion from outside counsel, officially disapproved and voided the agreement. The legal analysis was clear: the County Attorney did not have the authority to bind the county to such a federal contract without Board approval. Furthermore, the agreement would have essentially turned local investigators into federal immigration agents—a move that risked:
- Racial Profiling: Harassment of “brown citizens” and immigrant families.
- Erosion of Trust: Discouraging victims and witnesses from coming forward.
- Fiscal Liability: Diverting local funds and exposing the county to civil rights litigation.
While the Sheriff’s existing jail-based enforcement remains, the rejection of this specific task-force model prevents ICE powers from expanding into our everyday community spaces.
Here is the link: https://explore.pinal.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/2183
FOX 10 News Coverage
The energy in the room was undeniable, and our powerful turnout didn’t just catch the Board’s attention; it brought out the media, too. FOX 10 News was present to document this crucial moment for civil rights in Pinal County. Their report captures the significance of this decision and shows what happens when the community shows up in force.
You can watch their full report on the meeting below:
Shifting Focus: From Enforcement to Community Care
Our advocacy yesterday wasn’t just about saying “No” to harmful policies; it was about saying “Yes” to the people who are often left behind.
I had the privilege of presenting the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program to the Board. This HUD-funded initiative is specifically designed for:
- Extremely Low-Income Households: Those at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- People with Disabilities: Providing long-term, integrated supportive housing so individuals can live independently rather than in institutions.
Why Pinal County Needs This Now
With Pinal County’s population skyrocketing (estimated at over 560,000 in 2026), the housing crisis is hitting our most vulnerable the hardest. Current demographics highlight why this shift is vital:
- Poverty and Disability: Approximately 10.8% of our residents live below the poverty line, and many of these individuals are living with disabilities that require both affordable rent and on-site support.
- Racial Equity: With a Hispanic/Latino population of roughly 30%, moving away from “enforcement-first” policies ensures that all residents feel safe seeking the services they need.
The Board’s commitment to look into the Section 811 PRA Program is a massive step toward a Pinal County that prioritizes care over harassment.
What’s Next for Voices for the Rare?
This momentum is incredible, but our work is just beginning. We must ensure the Board follows through on their promise to research Section 811 and that no “back-door” immigration agreements are revived.
Special thanks to: Elizabeth Lee, Queen Creek San Tan Valley Indivisible, RAZE-Rural Engagements, and everyone who showed up.
“When we organize, we win.”