In a 180-degree turnaround, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that she would deploy the National Guard to the state’s border. According to the Democratic Governor, she changed her stance due to the federal government’s inaction in border management.
Hobbs said she issued the executive order because “the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe.” “I am taking action where the federal government won’t,” Hobbs said. This decision follows her request to President Biden to reassign the Arizona National Guard to the borders.
Hobbs requested they reopen the Lukeville Port of Entry, which they closed due to a surge in illegal immigration. Hence, she said the National Guard will assist in enforcement activities, including fentanyl interdiction and human trafficking efforts.
Also, Hobbs criticized building a border wall with shipping containers following the lack of assistance from the federal government. She claimed it was a political stunt. “It’s a visual barrier that is not providing an effective barrier to entry,” she said. “And I think it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
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In addition, Governor Hobbs criticized the Biden administration for not providing the necessary resources and workforce for a secure border. Hobb’s order represents a significant shift in her approach to border security. The Arizona Governor previously expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures.
“Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border,” Hobbs wrote in a statement. “With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government won’t,” she declared.
“Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizona’s border,” she concluded. Hobbs began her order by saying Arizona has been on the receiving end of federal inaction for far too long.
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During a trip to the southern border, Hobbs echoed this sentiment to reporters and said, “I am tired of it.” “Now is not the time for partisan politics; it is time for action,” she commanded.
Consequently, Hobbs said the National Guard members will be at multiple locations along the southern border, including around Lukeville. There, they will support state and local agencies engaged in law enforcement. Similarly, the San Miguel crossing far east on the Tohono O’odham Nation also sees hundreds of migrant arrivals daily.
However, tribal officials said the National Guard would not be available on the reservation. “We are in close communication with Governor Hobbs on this issue,” said Verlon Jose, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
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Jose revealed he made sure Hobbs would not deploy National Guards to the Nation, and she agreed. “Today’s action by the Governor is a necessary step in addressing the current crisis at the border,” Jose added.
Following Hobb’s order, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs National Guard confirmed it was activating members Friday afternoon. Consequently, the court of public opinion has varying views on Hobb’s orders. While some applauded the move, others questioned the shift in stance, saying Democrat Governors fueled the migrant crisis.
U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, representing southern Arizona, said he disagreed with Hobbs’ executive order. However, he noted that he appreciated Hobb’s move in rejecting the brutal and cruel tactics of Republican governors. In addition, he said the Republican governors took advantage of the crisis to use migrants as political pawns inhumanely.
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