A Pinal County judge has ruled in favor of the Board of Supervisors and against County Attorney Brad Miller, confirming that Arizona law gives the Board exclusive authority to approve county contracts and oversee spending.

The ruling came after the Board challenged a 2025 immigration enforcement agreement Miller signed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — without Board approval. The agreement, known as a 287(g) agreement, authorized County Attorney investigators to make arrests, conduct interrogations, and perform detention-related activities. The judge found those functions belong to the Sheriff's Office, not the County Attorney.

The judge permanently barred Miller from doing any work under the agreement.

What the Ruling Covers

The court found that Miller exceeded his authority when he signed the DHS contract on his own. Under Arizona law, the Board of Supervisors controls county contracts and spending. The County Attorney's role is to prosecute criminal cases and represent the county in civil matters — not to enter enforcement agreements independently.

The judge also clarified that a 287(g) agreement isn't needed for DHS to share information with a law enforcement agency or the County Attorney's Office.

Board Chairman Jeffrey McClure said the lawsuit was about accountability, not immigration policy.

"This Board has supported federal authorities and immigration enforcement for years," McClure said. "This lawsuit is about whether elected officials must follow Arizona law, respect the limits of their office and properly safeguard taxpayer dollars. We are grateful that the Judge agreed and put a stop to Mr. Miller's waste and abuse."

Sheriff: Daily Cooperation With ICE Continues

Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple, whose office holds law enforcement authority in unincorporated areas including San Tan Valley, said coordination with federal immigration officials was never in question.

"My deputies work with and share information with ICE on a daily basis and that will continue," Teeple said. "That is and has always been permitted under Arizona law for any law enforcement agency."

The Board previously approved a separate 287(g) agreement for Sheriff Teeple authorizing immigration enforcement assistance in the county jail. That agreement remains in place.

Why It Matters for Pinal County Residents

The Board argued Miller's unauthorized agreement exposed the county to liability, including property damage claims, personal injury claims, and excessive overtime costs. Unincorporated San Tan Valley residents fall under Pinal County's jurisdiction, and county spending decisions directly affect the services and budget that serve the area.

McClure said the county remains committed to law enforcement partnerships — as long as they're properly authorized.

"Residents expect county government to operate responsibly and collaboratively," he said. "We support law enforcement partnerships that are properly authorized and fiscally sound."