The Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking for space to station agents.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett says she spoke with U.S. Rep. Eli Crane and the governor's office about the planned location as they seek more information.
“We’re still trying to determine exactly what this means, where they’ll be, how many agents there might be and what the purpose is," Daggett says. "I know that we're all anxious, and I would ask people to try to stay as calm as possible while we find out this information."
Local officials emphasize that nothing has been finalized, and they have not received a request to use city-owned property.
If that changes, the city manager would follow new guidelines requiring immigration authorities to get explicit permission before using city property as an operational base, staging area or processing center.
Those procedures, implemented earlier this month, state that the city manager will determine whether the use of city property aligns with city goals and doesn't disrupt operations or threaten public safety.
Local authorities say they have asked the federal agency more details about any plans.
Both the sheriff’s office and Flagstaff police emphasize that deputies and officers do not enforce federal immigration law and will continue to clearly identify themselves while on duty.
