Staff Reports
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has made a bold move, deploying the state’s National Guard to the Mexican border due to the federal government's inaction in managing the influx of migrants. Hobbs, a Democrat, issued this executive order, citing the federal government’s failure to ensure Arizona’s safety and secure its borders.
Arizona governor orders National Guard to border to help with migrant influx https://t.co/TqPmbzRNoB
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 16, 2023
Expressing frustration with the Biden administration’s lack of action, Hobbs called for the mobilization of 243 Arizona National Guard troops stationed in the Border Patrol’s Tucson sector. Their task involves managing the surge of migrants and reopening a border crossing that was indefinitely closed in December due to overwhelming illegal crossings taxing Border Patrol resources.
Strategically positioned across the southern border, these National Guard members will monitor areas frequented by Arizonans traveling to the Mexican resort of Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point. Their duties extend to aiding state and local agencies in law enforcement, combatting illegal drug trafficking, and preventing human exploitation.
Verlon Jose, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, supported Hobbs' decision, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the border crisis. However, U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva disagreed with Hobbs' executive order but recognized her refusal to politicize migrants, unlike some other governors.
Despite Hobbs’ plea for reimbursement of Arizona’s border security expenses, the Biden administration hasn’t responded, leaving the state to handle the situation independently. Customs and Border Protection officials haven't immediately addressed the governor’s decision, leaving Arizona to autonomously secure its borders.
The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs confirmed the activation of National Guard members, assigning them logistical, administrative, cyber, and medical support tasks at the border. Major Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, overseeing the Arizona National Guard, highlighted their past contributions in aiding law enforcement in southern Arizona, emphasizing their crucial role in addressing the ongoing border crisis.
Governor Katie Hobbs’ decisive action in fortifying Arizona’s border underscores her commitment to safeguarding the state’s communities amid perceived inaction by the Biden administration.
