A legal confrontation has erupted in Pinal County, where the Board of Supervisors and County Attorney Brad Miller are at odds over allegations of conflicts of interest and immigration enforcement. This dispute is now unfolding in court, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
According to state law, the County Attorney serves as the legal counsel for the Board of Supervisors. However, the board unanimously declared their belief that a “potential conflict of interest exists” concerning Miller’s duties to the board and the way his office’s investigators use their enforcement powers. This declaration occurs amidst ongoing legal tensions between Miller and the board regarding his involvement with federal immigration efforts.
Before the board’s recent vote, Miller accused the supervisors of pursuing “frivolous legal actions targeting the County Attorney’s Office,” which he claims detracts from its role of upholding the law and ensuring public safety in Pinal County. He further highlighted the board’s expenditure of approximately $257,000 on external legal fees in its dispute against him.
“At a time when residents expect their government to prioritize safety, accountability, and results, this diversion of public funds raises serious concerns about the Board’s priorities,” Miller stated.
The Board of Supervisors has given Miller a deadline to respond to their conflict of interest claims by noon on Friday. If he fails to respond, the county manager is directed to engage an external attorney to represent the board’s interests.
A representative for Miller’s office noted that he has yet to respond to the board’s demands, instead pointing to a statement he issued before the vote.
The board’s lawsuit against Miller was initiated after he signed a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last year. This agreement grants his staff the authority to question individuals regarding their immigration status and detain those suspected of being undocumented. Typically, such agreements are made between ICE and county sheriffs, not county attorneys. The board contends that Miller required their consent prior to finalizing the agreement, a point Miller disputes.
The case has been relocated to Maricopa County Superior Court and remains ongoing.
