Grand Canyon Times

Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) on Aug. 12 issued an executive order to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), demanding that officials immediately fill gaps in the Yuma border wall.

Ducey's executive action came after President Joe Biden lifted the so-called Remain in Mexico policy, according to a news release from the governor's office. The policy, instituted by former President Donald Trump, ordered asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in a U.S. immigration court.

Ducey's move was a response to "a series of misguided decisions related to border security by the federal government," the news release said. "The White House continues to demonstrate failed border policies, all but encouraging trans-national criminal organizations to import illegal drugs across an unrestricted southern border in Arizona."

"Arizona has had enough," Ducey said in the news release. "We can't wait any longer. The Biden administration's lack of urgency on border security is a dereliction of duty. For the last two years, Arizona has made every attempt to work with Washington to address the crisis on our border. Time and time again, we've stepped in to clean up their mess. Arizonans can't wait any longer for the federal government to deliver on their delayed promises."

Sixty double-stacked shipping containers will be used to fill the gaps in the Yuma border wall and follow through on Ducey's command, according to the news release.

"Our border communities are being used as the entryway to the United States, overwhelming law enforcement, hospitals, nonprofits, and residents," Ducey said in the news release. "It's our responsibility to protect our citizens and law enforcement from this unprecedented crisis. With the resources and manpower in the right places, our Border Patrol and law enforcement will be better equipped to do their jobs well and prevent cartels from exploiting our communities. That's exactly what our barrier mission will do."

Jonathan Lines, Yuma County supervisor, said he supported the governor's order.

"National security starts with border security," he said in the news release. "Biden's border crisis deteriorates daily while the White House is silent. Border communities like Yuma bear the burden of a broken border while narcotics poison our youth, human smuggling rises, and mass amounts of migrants wear on our nonprofits. Beyond that, the seizure of counterfeit products at our ports of entry affects American businesses. Gov. Ducey has been a consummate partner, coordinating and leading state and local resources to do what the federal government won't: secure the border."

The 22-foot-high shipping containers measure 9 feet by 40 feet and weigh approximately 8,800 pounds, the news release noted. The state-owned containers will be linked together and welded shut to fill gaps in the 30-foot-high wall constructed in Yuma during the Trump administration.

"The Yuma community does not have the infrastructure to handle thousands of people crossing the border in need of food, shelter, and medical services," Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said in the news release. "The surge of migrants the federal government has allowed to trek over the border has the grave potential to greatly impact and strain our community. Washington must send a clear message that this is not the way to immigrate to our country."

Nicholls said attempting to cross the border could be dangerous to people who enter the country without legal permission.

"Too many migrants make the treacherous journey that puts their lives in danger and exposes them to exploitation by cartels," he said. "Yuma has experienced the worst of the border crisis. We're grateful to Gov. Ducey for ingraining himself in this issue and finding solutions."

Tim Roemer, director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the state's chief information security officer, said the move by Ducey was necessary due to recent issues at the border.

"The White House lacks a sense of urgency and detail while the border crisis gets worse every day," Roemer said in the news release. "In Arizona, we put our money where our mouth is. The brave men and women of law enforcement need this support so they can conduct their important work catching the people who don't want to get caught and stopping lethal drugs from coming over the border. Gov. Ducey once again showed he'll take action to secure the border and give law enforcement every resource in the state's power."

Ducey signed legislation in June that allocated $335 million "to continue the construction and maintenance of the Trump administration's border wall," according to The Center Square. From that money, $6 million will be used to fill the 1,000-foot gap in the Yuma wall, the news release noted.

"I'm glad to see our taxpayer dollars going to support our border communities," Senate President Karen Fann (R-Prescott) said in the news release. "Senate Republicans prioritized physical barriers this year to stop the flow of fentanyl, end human trafficking, and protect our citizens. I'm grateful to work with Gov. Ducey and my legislative colleagues to get the job done and secure the border."

State Rep. Ben Toma (R-Tolleson) said putting border security first is a worthwhile investment.

"Republicans in the legislature made border security a priority in this year's budget, and I'm thankful to Gov. Ducey for wasting no time in putting those funds to good use," he said in the news release. "Improvements to the border wall will make our communities safer by combating human trafficking and stemming the flow of fentanyl into the state."