Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed border security legislation, and revealed a plan to make “record investments” to improve border security, including a physical barrier as part of a $564 million investment.

“Inaction by President Joe Biden has led to the worst border crisis in over 20 years,” Ducey said in a statement published on the Governor’s Official Website.

Ducey said the investment was needed for both state and national security.

“I’ve been outspoken about the impact this crisis has on Arizonans, our communities and migrants,” Ducey said in the statement. “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,” Ducey said. “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.”

According to the release, HB 2317 would be combined with other investments from the 2023 budget, and would dedicate a record $564 million to border security with a physical barrier, as well as funding “critical public safety staffing shortages,” and would also “modernize the technology and public safety equipment to target criminal activity and keep our citizens safe.”

HB2317 was sponsored by Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills).

“The number of migrant encounters has skyrocketed at our border, overwhelming law enforcement and the Border Patrol,” Kavanagh said in the release. “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 Gov. Ducey’s leadership to take action and secure the border.”

The use of a physical barrier and an “enhanced virtual system” would “help mitigate the unlawful flow of migrants across the border,” the release stated, allowing border security agents to investigate criminal activity at the border.

“This investment is critical to saving lives both on the border and within our communities,” Tim Roemer, director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the state’s chief information security officer, said in the release. “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,” Roemer said. “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.”

Rancher John Ladd of Cochise County expressed his support for the bill.

"The escalating southern border crisis and lack of federal action is taking a toll on Cochise County and all Arizona communities," Ladd said in the release. "These significant investments from Gov. 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."

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb welcomed the support to give law enforcement the tools it needs.

"Our nation is facing the worst border crisis in years due to the federal government’s inaction, and our communities are paying the price," Lamb said in the release. "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 Gov. Ducey’s efforts to make that happen.”

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels expressed concern with federal border security efforts, and gratitude that the governor’s office committed to the investment.

“When the southern border is secure, Cochise County and the entire state are safer,” he 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 Gov. Ducey’s unwavering commitment to securing the border, supporting the men and women in law enforcement, and sending resources where they’re needed most.” 

Ann English, chair of the Cochise County board of supervisors, also expressed her gratitude to Ducey’s staff.

"Governor Ducey has been a consistent supporter of Sheriff Dannels in securing the Cochise County border with Mexico,” she 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."

Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines said the importance of securing the southern border cannot be overstated.

"When our border isn't secure, it opens up our communities to dangerous paraphernalia, smuggling activity and chaos," Lines said in the release. "We need to support and protect our law enforcement professionals, small businesses and fellow Arizonans — and securing our southern border will help do that. Governor Ducey has prioritized border security since the start of his administration, and I thank him for remaining committed to our state's safety over the last eight years."

Amanda Aguirre, president and CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health, said the needs of border communities has to be protected.

“The steps that Gov. Ducey has taken in funding support for public safety to ensure the well being of our border communities are crucial for the public safety of our state and nation during these unprecedented times,” she said in the release.

"The funding for Border Strike Force initiatives secured for Cochise County will have both direct and indirect benefits on the Douglas border area and will help law enforcement secure a safer border,” Douglas Mayor Donald Huish said in the release. “I am grateful to Gov. Ducey, Sheriff Dannels, and Chief of Police Fullen for their commitment to this effort which will allow for stronger partnerships with area agencies and ultimately enhanced prosecution for crimes with a border nexus." 

Cochise County attorney Brian McIntyre expressed concern for the potential of international crime with an unsecured border.

“When the southern border is unsecured, it poses a direct threat to communities all across Arizona,” McIntyre said. “Transnational criminal organizations target young Arizonans and vulnerable individuals to smuggle and engage in dangerous activity. Thanks to these significant investments, border protection will be stronger and our state and citizens will be safer. Thank you to Gov. Ducey for prioritizing border security.”