Arizona Secretary of State Calls Law Enforcement ‘Hooded Thugs’

August 2, 2025 ADI Staff Reporter
fontes
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, likened law enforcement officers who enforce immigration law to violent, aggressive criminals. The secretary of state referred to immigration enforcement as “hooded thugs.”

Fontes leveled the accusation during an interview with KTAR News this week.

Almost immediately after he made the comment, however, Fontes attempted to deny what he said.<

Fontes also claimed that individuals couldn’t be Christians if they supported law enforcement officers administering immigration law. The secretary of state said it was “illegal” and “un-American” to deport illegal immigrants.

“I can’t see how anybody can say they’re a Christian and treat someone from another land in their own land this way,” said Fontes. “It’s mean is what it is. It’s mean-spirited. A lot of these folks are being picked up by, you know, hooded thugs in the street in the most un-American way.”

Fontes further shamed Christians supportive of deportations, reclassifying illegal immigrants as “vulnerable populations” and accusing Republicans of “giving up their humanity.”

“At the end of the day what we’re looking at is scaring the hell out of people on purpose because we don’t like them, and it’s an un-Christian based way of not liking people — just because they’re from somewhere else,” said Fontes. “I don’t think our Lord and Savior would be happy with the way these vulnerable populations are being treated.”

Also present for the interview was State Senator John Kavanagh, a Republican and the recently-elected Senate Majority Leader. Kavanagh challenged Fontes’ remarks, particularly Fontes’ description of law enforcement agents as “thugs.” Fontes denied that he had used that descriptor and accused Kavanagh of lying.

“I appreciate what law enforcement agents do when they do it to protect — ” said Fontes.

“But you call them thugs?” interjected Kavanagh.

“I didn’t say the word ‘thug.’ Now you’re lying!” responded Fontes.

The latest court rulings have cast doubts on Fontes’ perspective concerning matters of the law. Earlier this year, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Fontes broke the law with his 2023 Election Procedures Manual. And last November, a federal court admonished the secretary of state for poor voter roll oversight — a court hearing for which Fontes didn’t show, as the judge noted.

Despite that court response to his administration of voter rolls, Fontes continues to face challenges for failing to clean up the voter rolls.

Fontes was a rumored candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race, in which he would challenge incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs. In another interview with KTAR earlier this year, Fontes didn’t deny the possibility he would run against Hobbs.

“Let’s be honest: politicians are ambitious people. I’m a politician. I’m an ambitious person. You know, there’s no reason to lie about it and play coy,” said Fontes.

By the next month, however, Fontes again said he planned to run for reelection and not against Hobbs for governor.

“I intend to remain at my post, standing in the breach as Secretary of State, to continue fighting for AZ and defending our democratic process,” stated Fontes.

The secretary of state’s pattern of ambiguity on whether he would challenge Hobbs goes back to last year. In December he disclosed to The Washington Post that he would run for reelection as secretary of state rather than challenge Hobbs.

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25 Comments

  1. Sounds just lime Gavin Newsom, skip-talking then denying that he said what everyone can plainly watch his forked tongue speak. These jokers all need exposed and sent packing.

  2. The religion of leftism (sometimes known as Communism or ultra-liberalism) is the most hilarious (and disgusting and mean-hearted too) of them all. The fact a lot of devotees of that religion, on one hand, worship every single illegal alien like if they are sacred, on the other hand, slamming normative Christians is a sign of just how upside down and backwards the Church of Holy Leftism really is. Don’t be moralized by people who are not Christian.

    • the EU is moving to anti-semantic thought – protecting itself from the influx of Islamic influence that has happened to them as a nation – FRANCE – ENGLAND are examples – the EU is abandoning Israel . They would like us to do the same – killing all JEWS is an option and choice for them. It is what will bring the EU against the United States – in the final war as they join Russia and other nations to destroy America. That is the biblical destruction of Mystery Babblyon. Which gives notice as to who will prevail in the United States political equation as we stand right now here today. This is just over the Horizon.

  4. Most democrats are now demonizing federal agencies that they disagree with. Funny, because they helped write the laws that are being enforced and were uncontroversial until Biden took office. They have turned into anti-American anarchists full of hate against American success, first amendment rights, family units and so on.

  6. piece of trash, is he going to INCLUDE the left IDIOTS who wear rags on their heads over their masks? AND quit calling them immigrants they are ILLEGAL MIGRANTS and yes many mexicans here dont want them here either.
    this guy and the hobbit what undynamic duo

  7. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again the Democrat Party and those politicians INo longer serve their constituents. They support domestic terrorists illegals and the criminal caste. The take their directions from traitors like George Soros and get themselves elected into office hoping America loses. What’s even sadder are those who continually vote these dirt bags onto office. Don’t get me wrong they are not the only problem Republicans are a whole other story but at least they’re for the working class.

  8. Just think. This hack is next in line to be gorernor. If we keep electing the likes of Hobbs and Fontes we will follow the failure of California.

  9. He, who controls the elections will win! I blame the voters. If this guy is so hated then where are the thousands of voters demonstrating on the streets of Phoenix demanding his resignation?

    • If you vote early, and in large numbers, they cant cheat or manipulate. Follow what Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA did. Get out the vote but don’t bother going to the polls. Mail in your ballot early and use the lefts stategy to your advantage. Always remember, go to vote but take 10 people with you.

    • If you vote early, and in large numbers, they cant cheat or manipulate. Follow what Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA did. Get out the vote but don’t bother going to the polls. Mail in your ballot early and use the lefts strategy to your advantage. Always remember, go to vote but take 10 people with you.

  10. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, likened law enforcement officers who enforce immigration law to violent, aggressive criminals. The secretary of state referred to immigration enforcement as “hooded thugs.”

    HHaaaaa if this ain’t the pot calling the kettle black what is.. you Fontes are an embarrassment to the state but more so to the Hispanic race from which you are.. Oh it’s like the Jesuits of Mexico – take over the world. Going back to the days of long ago. Its no secret what you want, desire, support Fontes.. you’re an evil soul with an evil goal.

  11. The irony here is that my Hispanic friends and neighbors favor deporting illegals.

    • my wife came here in 1978 LEGALLY and became US Citizen
      she is also in favor of LEGAL immigration
      when I tell her our SANCTUARY city mayor Regina is using OUR tax $$ to build/support Illegals
      she goes off

  14. Fontes is a disgrace to the state of Arizona. He does not care that this nation and this state has been invaded by illegals. He calls law enforcement “thugs” and that the removal of illegals in this state is mean spirited and that those who want the law enforced fake Christians. Read the Bible Adrian as your argument is what is fake. He routinely breaks the laws of the state of Arizona and has done so for many years. He and Hobbs have to be removed come November 26 as this state cannot withstand another 4 years of their law breaking. Wake up Arizona and vote so loud for Republican candidates that the whole nation will hear our noise.

  15. “The California-based Harris/Thaler Law Corporation made claims that alleged Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Runbeck Election Services, and a disturbing number of mayors, judges, city council members, and county supervisors of receiving bribes from the notorious drug cartel.”

  16. The perfect rep for the new state of Mexico, Baja Arizona, liberal utopia and such good reason to get the hell out.

  17. Every time I read an article regarding nefarious behavior about Fontes, I up my ante. Now it’s 10-1 he gets re-elected because he will not be held accountable and ignorant voters will be to blame…sick and ridiculous!!

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