A bill advancing in the Arizona Legislature has sparked controversy as it proposes granting property owners the authority to kill or threaten to kill individuals who illegally enter the U.S. through their land. The bill aims to modify the state's existing Castle Doctrine to allow property owners to use deadly force to stop criminal trespassing, extending the definition of property beyond just residential structures.

The sponsor of the bill, Republican Rep. Justin Heap, clarified that the intention was to close a loophole to assist ranchers who may witness individuals trespassing on any section of their land. However, the bill has drawn fierce opposition in the state, with critics arguing that it could fuel extrajudicial killings and dehumanize migrants seeking asylum.

The proposal comes amidst a high-profile case in which Arizona rancher George Kelly is facing second-degree murder charges for the shooting death of an individual who had entered the country illegally. The bill has been met with strong resistance from Democratic lawmakers, with Rep. Analise Ortiz condemning it as "disgusting and inhumane," predicting that Governor Katie Hobbs would veto the bill if it is approved by the Senate.

Arizona's proposed bill is reminiscent of similar legislation in Texas, where efforts to crack down on illegal border crossings have faced legal challenges. With migrant encounters on the rise in the Tucson sector, the issue of immigration enforcement has taken center stage in the state's political landscape.

The bill is expected to become a focal point in the upcoming elections, particularly as Arizona emerges as a battleground state with a growing Latino population that has shown increasing political engagement. Democratic lawmakers are gearing up to resist what they see as a dangerous encroachment on civil liberties and a potential catalyst for violence against migrants crossing the border.