Russell Pearce Cause of Death

Russell Pearce, a Republican lawmaker who spearheaded Arizona’s landmark 2010 immigration legislation known as the “show me your papers” law, died on January 5, 2023. He was 75.

Pearce’s family said on social media that he died Thursday at his home in Mesa, Arizona, after falling ill.

“My condolences go out to the family, friends, and many supporters of Russell Pearce, a patriot, law enforcement official, and Arizona state senate president, who passed away today,” Arpaio wrote on his Facebook account. “He served with honor and integrity at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. I’m proud to have appointed him as my chief deputy. He will be sorely missed.”

Russell Pearce rose to national prominence more than a decade ago while advocating for tougher border policies in Arizona, one of the country’s busiest hubs for illegal immigration.

He was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 1070, which mandated that law enforcement officers inquire about suspects’ immigration status if they suspected they were in the country illegally.

It was the nation’s toughest anti-immigrant law, prompting calls for organisations to cancel conventions in Phoenix, a major source of revenue for Arizona’s largest city.