The U.S. Border Patrol found 67 migrants in a box truck in West Texas. | By Gerald L. Nino, CBP, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
The U.S. Border Patrol found 67 migrants in a box truck in West Texas. | By Gerald L. Nino, CBP, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation April 28 to crack down on human smuggling operations, saying the measure would fill the void left by the federal government’s inability to secure the border.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in human smuggling at the border since President (Joe) Biden took office,” Ducey said in a release of the Governor’s Office’s official website. “These criminals drive recklessly, which often ends in death and tragedy.”
Ducey said that the aim of the law is to make things safer for people on both sides of the border.
“We’ve all seen the news reports,” Ducey said. “I’m hopeful this new law will help to save lives and deter more migrants from making the dangerous journey to our border.”
Ducey thanked Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R-Lake Havasu City) and the co-sponsors of H.B. 2696, which targets those who engage in human trafficking, especially against minors. Biasiucci added that the state would come down hard on those who violate the new law.
“With this bill, we’re continuing to put the hammer down on child sex crimes and human smuggling,” Biasiucci said in the release. “Anyone who takes part in this crime should not be on the streets. We’re sending the message that people who take part in human smuggling will go to jail for a very long time. Thank you to Gov. Ducey for his leadership in reinforcing law and order at the border.”
Ducey expressed his support for the measure and the 32 members of the Arizona Legislature who sponsored it.
“We’re standing shoulder to shoulder on this,” he said in the release. “Your teams are on the front lines of this crisis and they understand the impact that our broken border is having on our communities.”
Also attending the signing were members of the American Governors’ Border Strike Force, Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Heston Silbert and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Director Major Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck.
“Lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Ducey said. “We have to do everything in our power right now. That’s our job.”
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