Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Signs Legislation To Secure Border
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Signs Legislation To Secure Border
July 6, 2022 10,216
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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Arizona Republican Governor Doug Ducey has decided to do the job that President Joe Biden has not been willing to do.
The governor has signed legislation to strengthen the border between his state and Mexico as the border crisis continues to be an issue.
“Inaction by President Joe Biden has led to the worst border crisis in over 20 years,” the governor said.
“In a signing letter, he said, “I’ve been outspoken about the impact this crisis has on Arizonans, our communities and migrants. We’ve taken numerous steps to help resolve the chaos, including deploying the Arizona National Guard, signing legislation to address human smuggling and transporting migrants on a voluntary basis to Washington, D.C. Ultimately, however, securing our border is the responsibility of the federal government… With this investment, we are giving our law enforcement professionals another critical resource they need to successfully do their jobs. We are standing up for the rule of law, and we are cementing Arizona’s commitment to securing our state and our entire nation.”
“The number of migrant encounters has skyrocketed at our border, overwhelming law enforcement and the Border Patrol,” Rep. John Kavanagh, who sponsored the legislation, said. “Thanks to the absent federal government, our border is in chaos and out of control. We need more support and physical barriers. This is a reasonable investment in Arizona’s safety and security. I’m grateful for Governor Ducey’s leadership to take action and secure the border.”
The legislation will provide:
- $335 million to construct and maintain a border fence, purchase or install border security technologies, and to pay associated administrative costs
- $53.4 million for deputy sheriff compensation
- $30 million for local prosecution and imprisonment of individuals charged with drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration, and other border-related crimes
- $30 million for a new State Emergency Operations Center facility
- $20 million for a State match to a new Cochise County Jail facility
- $15 million for a Department of Public Safety southern border coordinated response center
- $15 million for local law enforcement costs for participating in a program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- $15 million for transportation of individuals seeking asylum
- $10 million to reduce trafficking
- $10 million for the National Guard to support the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies in the southern Arizona border region
- $10 million for emergency health care and testing for immigrants along the southern Arizona border
- $800,000 for the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs State Guard chain of command
Other supporters also commented in the press release penned by the governor.
“This investment is critical to saving lives both on the border and within our communities,” Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the state’s Chief Information Security Officer, Tim Roemer, said. “Not only is this a border crisis, it’s a humanitarian crisis – and it’s only getting worse. More and more migrants are making the dangerous journey, fentanyl deaths are spiking and danger continues to escalate. This funding will go toward critical resources and tools to help us combat dangerous transnational organizations and protect victims from their horrific crimes. Governor Ducey has prioritized border security since day one, and today’s action shows real leadership and care for border needs.”
“The escalating southern border crisis and lack of federal action is taking a toll on Cochise County and all Arizona communities,” Cochise County rancher John Ladd said. “These significant investments from Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Legislature are crucial in supporting ranchers like myself and protecting our great state — and I’m grateful for the Governor’s continued support.”
“Our nation is facing the worst border crisis in years due to the federal government’s inaction, and our communities are paying the price,” Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said. “Our state leaders and law enforcement have been taking action, doing all they can to protect Arizona. It is crucial we have the necessary resources along the southern border, and I appreciate Governor Ducey’s efforts to make that happen.”
“When the southern border is secure, Cochise County and the entire state are safer,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said. “Lax border policies from the federal government and U.S. Congress are putting Arizonans in danger. We’re taking action in Cochise County to mitigate the issue and protect our community. I appreciate Governor Ducey’s unwavering commitment to securing the border, supporting the men and women in law enforcement, and sending resources where they’re needed most.”
“Governor Ducey has been a consistent supporter of Sheriff Dannels in securing the Cochise County border with Mexico,” Chair of Cochise County Board of Supervisors Ann English said. “He recognizes it as an Arizona and USA problem and we are grateful for his willingness to provide significant state funding for this vital mission.”
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Signs Legislation To Secure Border (conservativebrief.com)
