The Laken Riley Act caused a lot of undue concern in Pima County.
Pima County should never have been in the business of illegal immigration. County Administrator Jan Lesher received a letter in March of '25 from the Department of Homeland Security refusing to honor $52.6 million. Accusing Pima County officials of engaging in or facilitating illegal immigration. “The Department of Homeland Security has significant concerns that SSP funding is going to entities engaged in or facilitating illegal activities,” said DHS/FEMA. “The Department is concerned that entities receiving payment under this program may be guilty of encouraging or inducing an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States in violation of law; transporting or moving illegal aliens; harboring, concealing, or shielding from detection illegal aliens; or applicable conspiracy, aiding or abetting, or attempt liability respecting these statutes.”