Arizona Senate commends deputies, investigators for rescue of 8‑year‑old from trafficking

The Senate read and presented a legislative proclamation commending Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and law‑enforcement partners from Cochise County and Border Patrol for their role in the rescue of an 8‑year‑old from a human‑trafficking situation.

The proclamation, dated Feb. 2026, praised the officers' ‘‘extraordinary courage, vigilance and professionalism’’ and noted their work protected a vulnerable child from further harm. The proclamation was signed by Senate leadership and mentions Senators Warren Peterson, TJ Schoep and David Gowen as signatories.

Senators invited the officers to the front of the chamber for photographs and a formal presentation of proclamations, applauded them on the floor, and noted the rescue as an example of interagency cooperation.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal legislative action or vote was recorded beyond the reading and presentation of the proclamation during the session.