Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to inspect Lukeville border amidst overwhelming crossings
Arizona Governor to Visit Border Amidst Surge in Illegal Immigration
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) is set to embark on a trip to the state’s border with Mexico this weekend, specifically the Lukeville area. This region has seen a staggering influx of over 17,500 immigrants crossing the border illegally in just one week.
Hobbs, accompanied by the state’s top National Guard official, plans to assess the situation and determine the necessary state action to address the mounting crisis in southeastern Arizona.
Port of Entry Closure Causes Travel Delays
The Lukeville Port of Entry was closed on Monday by federal order, forcing both American and Mexican residents to travel several hours to the next closest port of entry in Nogales. Travelers are now facing lines of up to five hours, according to Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).
Escalating Illegal Immigration Numbers
Illegal immigration through the Tucson region of Arizona has been on the rise for the past six months, with recent weeks seeing a significant spike from 12,000 to 17,500 arrests per week as of November 30th. Data for the most recent week will be released later today.
Concerned about the overwhelming situation, Rep. Ciscomani sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, requesting the deployment of the Arizona National Guard to support federal law enforcement at the border. He emphasized the urgent need for immediate assistance.
Calls for Federal Action
Meanwhile, Governor Hobbs has been urging the Biden administration to take further action as thousands of individuals continue to cross the border daily. She has been in discussions with the federal government, exploring the possibility of sending additional support under federal orders, granting them broader authority to assist the border patrol.
Hobbs’ visit to the border on Saturday aims to assess whether the National Guard can play a role in addressing the crisis.
Bipartisan Opposition to Port Closure
Governor Hobbs, along with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), has expressed strong opposition to the Biden administration’s decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry. They have called for a reversal, stating that the closure not only destabilizes the border but also poses risks to community safety, disrupts trade and tourism, and demands humane treatment of migrants.
It is clear that immediate action is needed to address the escalating situation at the Arizona-Mexico border, and Governor Hobbs is determined to find solutions and advocate for the well-being of her state.
How does Governor Hobbs believe the federal government should address the crisis at the border?
Osest point of entry. This closure has resulted in significant travel delays and inconvenience for residents and travelers in the area. Despite the closure, illegal crossings have not subsided, and the number of immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally continues to rise.
Emergency Declaration by Governor Hobbs
In response to the ongoing surge in illegal immigration, Governor Hobbs declared a state of emergency in Arizona. This declaration allows for the allocation of additional resources and funding to address the crisis at the border. Hobbs believes that the federal government has not done enough to secure the border and protect the state’s residents.
“The current situation at the border is unacceptable. We need immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. The federal government must step up and provide us with the necessary support to address this crisis,” said Governor Hobbs in a statement.
Increased National Guard Presence
As part of the state’s response to the surge in illegal immigration, Governor Hobbs has called for an increased deployment of the Arizona National Guard to the border. The National Guard is expected to assist with security operations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to support Border Patrol agents in their efforts to prevent illegal crossings.
This reinforcement comes as Border Patrol agents in the area are overwhelmed by the number of immigrants attempting to cross the border. The additional presence of the National Guard will help alleviate the strain on law enforcement and enhance border security efforts.
Cooperation with Federal Authorities
Governor Hobbs has reiterated her call for increased cooperation between state and federal authorities to address the surge in illegal immigration. She has urged the Biden administration to take immediate action to secure the border and provide necessary resources to states like Arizona.
Additionally, Governor Hobbs has reached out to other border states, such as Texas and New Mexico, to coordinate efforts and share information on best practices. By working together, these states hope to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and protect their respective communities.
Conclusion
The surge in illegal immigration at the Arizona border is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Governor Hobbs’ visit to the border, accompanied by her declaration of a state of emergency, highlights the seriousness of the situation. By taking action and mobilizing additional resources, Arizona aims to address the crisis and secure its border effectively. However, long-term solutions require cooperation and support from the federal government. Only through collaborative efforts can the United States effectively manage and control illegal immigration at its borders.
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