A major reversal in the immigration debate at the State Capitol.

In a statement from Gov. Ducey’s spokesman Patrick Ptak says HCR 2036 has been removed from the agenda in the House of Judiciary Committee. A decision made by Governor Doug Ducey, Representative Thomas “T.J.” Shope and other legislative leaders.

If passed, the referendum would have banned sanctuary cities in Arizona.

The statement goes on to say, “the Governor stands firmly with the people of Arizona in opposition to sanctuary cities - a California-style policy rejected overwhelmingly by voters in Tucson last fall. The Governor is appreciative of Representative Shope's leadership on this issue, and while these proposals will not be moving forward, the state of Arizona will continue to oppose any effort to create sanctuary cities.”

This comes hours after Gov. Ducey became upset when ABC15 asked about it.

House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez says the referendum was unnecessary.

“It was a prudent decision to stop this needlessly divisive referendum in the House Judiciary Committee and remove the target from the backs of Arizona's Latino community," said Fernandez. “Arizona does not want a police state, we have moved upward and onward from the shameful legacy of SB1070. But we also know that dead bills and referendums have a way of re-emerging at the Legislature, so we must stay vocal and stay vigilant until this session ends."