Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, deploys Arizona National Guard to border, criticizes Biden’s denial
Arizona Governor Breaks with Biden Administration, Sends State Military to Southern Border
Governor Katie Hobbs Takes Action Amidst Federal Inaction
Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) made a bold move on Friday, announcing that Arizona would deploy its own military to the southern border. This decision comes after the White House refused to redirect federally assigned troops to assist in managing the ongoing crisis.
In a powerful statement, Hobbs signed an executive order blaming President Joe Biden for the “unmitigated humanitarian crisis” plaguing the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. She criticized his refusal to redirect troops to the part of Arizona where thousands of immigrants have been entering the country illegally on a daily basis for weeks.
“Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe,” Hobbs declared. “With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government won’t. But we can’t stand alone, Arizona needs resources and manpower to reopen the Lukeville crossing, manage the flow of migrants, and maintain a secure, orderly, and humane border. Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizona’s border.”
Hobbs had previously requested the Biden administration to reassign the troops under federal order over a week ago. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 National Guard service members on federal active duty orders at the southern border, with 243 already stationed in the Tucson Sector.
This move not only sends state soldiers to the border but also takes inspiration from Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX), a staunch advocate for immigration control. Earlier this year, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, deploying state military and police to support federal law enforcement at the border.
Arizona’s initiative, known as Operation Secure, will see the military providing support to the state’s Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement. Their focus will be on addressing violations of state law, such as fentanyl interdiction, analytical support, and human trafficking enforcement in the southern border region.
“For far too long, Arizona has borne the burden of federal inaction in managing the state’s southern border,” Hobbs emphasized. “The federal government’s recent decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry has led to an unmitigated humanitarian crisis in the area and has put Arizona’s safety and commerce at risk.”
Hobbs met with Alfonso Durazo, the governor of the neighboring Mexican state Sonora, to discuss strategies for maintaining international commerce despite the closure of the Lukeville port of entry by the Biden administration. Customs officers, who would typically screen pedestrians and vehicles at the port of entry, have been redirected to assist with processing illegal immigrants who bypass the official crossing.
Arizona’s decisive action sends a clear message that the state is taking matters into its own hands to address the border crisis, even as the federal government fails to provide the necessary support.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What are the concerns raised by critics regarding the involvement of state military in immigration enforcement?
At the Biden administration provide additional resources to address the influx of migrants at the southern border, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Frustrated with the lack of federal action, Governor Hobbs took matters into her own hands and mobilized the Arizona National Guard to provide security and logistical support at the border.
The decision to deploy the state military was met with both support and criticism. Supporters argue that it is necessary to secure the border and protect the safety and well-being of Arizonans. They highlight the strain that the overwhelming number of undocumented immigrants is putting on local communities, with resources and infrastructure being stretched to their limits.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that involving the state military in immigration enforcement is an overreach of power and sets a dangerous precedent. They argue that immigration is a federal issue and should be handled by federal agencies. Furthermore, they question the necessity and effectiveness of deploying the state military, arguing that it diverts resources and attention away from other important state matters.
In response to the criticism, Governor Hobbs maintains that her actions are driven by the need to address the immediate crisis at the border. She emphasizes that her priority is the safety and security of Arizona residents and that she is simply filling the gaps left by the federal government’s inaction.
The situation at the southern border has been a contentious issue for years, and the current administration has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis. The number of migrants attempting to cross the border has surged in recent months, overwhelming border patrol agents and immigration facilities. The Biden administration has been criticized for its more lenient approach to immigration compared to its predecessor, with critics arguing that this has contributed to the increase in illegal border crossings.
Governor Hobbs’ decision to deploy the state military is a clear indication of the frustration and dissatisfaction felt by many states along the border. They feel abandoned by the federal government and believe that it is their responsibility to take action to protect their communities.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effective Arizona’s deployment of its state military will be in addressing the ongoing crisis. It has undoubtedly sparked a discussion about the role of state governments in immigration enforcement and the need for cooperation between federal and state authorities.
Regardless of the outcome, Governor Hobbs’ decision to break with the Biden administration and take matters into her own hands represents a bold stance against what she perceives as federal inaction. It raises important questions about the division of responsibilities between federal and state governments and the ongoing challenges faced at the southern border.
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