PHOENIX — In response to recent public inquiries and ongoing conversations regarding the role of state law enforcement in immigration matters, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is reaffirming its commitment to public safety and clarifying its role in immigration-related enforcement.

The AZDPS — including its Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM) — does not engage in direct immigration enforcement. GIITEM's primary mission is to combat criminal street gangs and transnational criminal organizations throughout Arizona, working in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

"Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “Unless a state crime has been committed that falls under AZDPS jurisdiction, our personnel — including GIITEM units — do not participate in immigration enforcement operations. If an individual’s immigration status becomes relevant due to a state crime, we may notify federal partners in accordance with required laws and procedures.”

The AZDPS remains firmly committed to protecting all communities across Arizona. The Department's enforcement efforts are guided by state law, constitutional protections, and a strong respect for civil rights and liberties. AZDPS investigations focus on criminal conduct, not an individual’s immigration status.

“We are dedicated to building and maintaining trust with the communities we serve,” added a Department spokesperson. “Our focus is on reducing violence, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety — not serving as an extension of federal immigration authorities.”

For more information about GIITEM and the AZDPS, visit azdps.gov.

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is proud to announce the success of "Operation Escalading Switch," a targeted enforcement effort led by the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) to combat organized vehicle theft in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, VTTF members, with the support of multiple partner agencies, served coordinated search warrants at seven separate locations across the Valley. The operation resulted in the recovery of 29 stolen vehicles valued at nearly $2.5 million, and the seizure of numerous items—including weapons and cash—linked to proceeds from a sophisticated criminal vehicle theft ring.

The investigation revealed the theft ring operated with alarming speed and efficiency, stealing high-end vehicles, altering vehicle identification numbers, and listing the vehicles on Turo—a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform—for rental by unsuspecting customers within as little as one week of the initial theft. Profits from this ring have been tracked to accounts in the United States, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Three suspects, all facing multiple felony charges, were arrested during the operation:

• Ali Ahmad, 29, of Glendale, Arizona
• Delia Rocha, 32, of Glendale, Arizona
• Mario Garcia Rodriguez, 33, of Glendale, Arizona

“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the dedication of our Vehicle Theft Task Force,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “We are committed to protecting Arizona’s communities, and this takedown sends a strong message to those engaged in organized crime.”

The AZDPS extends its gratitude to the partner agencies that contributed to the success of Operation Escalading Switch: Surprise Police Department, Goodyear Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Scottsdale Police Department, Tucson Police Deaprtment, Marana Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Auto Theft Authority (AATA), National Insurance Crime Bureau, United States Homeland Security Investigations, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

The AZDPS would also like to thank Turo for their cooperation with this investigation.

The AZDPS Vehicle Theft Task Force serves an essential role on behalf of the AATA by working proactively to reduce vehicle theft throughout Arizona. Their work is supported by an annual grant from the AATA, enabling them to deter vehicle theft through enforcement, prosecution, and public awareness programs.

Photos and video are available for download here.