(The Center Square) – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is expected to make a border policy announcement in Nogales on Monday.
The governor’s office has not provided details on what the announcements will exactly be, but the move comes as there is a major transition occurring in the federal government from the Biden administration to the second Trump administration, which could result in sweeping border policy changes. In a news release, the announcement may have to do with fighting illicit drug trafficking.
“The people of Arizona should know their state government is stepping up to deliver critical resources border communities need to manage the challenges we face,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I’m committed to keeping our border secure and our communities safe, and I’m going to work with anyone to deliver the resources we need to make that happen.”
Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado, United States Customs and Border Patrol agents, and state authorities are also expected to appear at the event.
Hobbs maintained a critical tone for the federal government as the state encountered border-related issues, including the month-long Lukeville Port of Entry closure late last year that resulted in the deployment of National Guard troops to assist authorities already in the region.
During a media availability on Thursday, the Democrat said she’s open to working “with anyone” for “real border security” but expressed skepticism when a reporter asked about the incoming administration’s plan for mass deportations of migrants who crossed the border illegally.
“We’ll continue to make the case to the federal government of how they can support real border security in Arizona. And again, I will not hesitate to stand up to action that harms our communities,” she said.
“I’m not gonna get into the nitty gritty details of action. That hasn’t happened yet. I will work with the administration to deliver on real border security. I think these efforts will actually pull resources away from border security. I will make sure that our communities are safe.”
“I’m not gonna get into the nitty gritty details of action. That hasn’t happened yet. I will work with the administration to deliver on real border security. I think these efforts will actually pull resources away from border security. I will make sure that our communities are safe,” the governor added.
There were roughly 565,000 migrant encounters in Arizona in fiscal year 2024 alone, but the state’s border also faced a high volume of drug trafficking, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, through the legal ports of entry. Although arrests have declined since an asylum cap was ordered earlier this year, the state and federal authorities continue to face a myriad of issues related to the crisis.
