Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says Arizona is going to "do the job that Joe Biden refuses to do” in relation to border security, and the state has filed a lawsuit to fight efforts to by the federal government to remove shipping containers Ducey ordered placed on the southern border.

According to a release issued Oct. 21 on the Governor's Office website, the state filed the lawsuit earlier that day to "push back efforts" by the federal government to remove the barrier of double-stacked shipping containers on the Arizona Border and affirm the state's authority and right to protect its citizens." The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, and Ducey said the move was necessary because the U.S. government "does not do enough to secure the border." The containers are mainly found along the Yuma border.

“Our border communities are overwhelmed by illegal activity as a result of the Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border,” Ducey said in the release. “Arizona is taking action to protest on behalf of our citizens. With this lawsuit, we’re pushing back against efforts by federal bureaucrats to reverse the progress we’ve made. The safety and security of Arizona and its citizens must not be ignored."

Ducey added in the release that the state would "secure the border in any way we can. We’re not backing down," he added.

The federal government has demanded the removal of the 130 double-stacked, 9,000-pound containers, which would be replaced “temporary” barriers. The U.S. Forest Service also intended to stop similar efforts in Cochise County, the release stated.

In the statement, Ducey noted that the state quickly responded to the border crisis, while federal officials have only debated the issue.

"Why replace temporary barriers with more temporary barriers? Just another example of the federal government bureaucracy and out-of-control spending," he said. "The Border Barrier works and we’re not going to delay the safety of our citizens any longer.”

Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines agreed that extra federal intervention is no longer needed.

“Now is not the time to hold or spend precious resources on replacing a barrier that already works,” Lines said in the release. “Governor Ducey has taken action in the interest of public safety and basic humanity. The federal government has not acted whatsoever and is so entrenched in bureaucracy, it’s putting its own citizens at risk. Yuma County is grateful for the leadership and determination of Governor Ducey.”

Sen. Sine Kerr (R-13) blamed the problem on Biden.

“Yuma has experienced a humanitarian and national security crisis for far too long," Kerr said. "The Biden administration created this problem, they need to end it and stop this bureaucracy game. Arizona will not be deterred in our mission to protect our citizens.”

Rep. Tim Dunn (R-13) noted that U.S. Customs and Border Control officials credited the barrier with slowing the flow of illegal immigrants into the Yuma area.

“CBP says the containers assisted in gaining operational control,” said Dunn, a local farmer. “Farmers are thankful the barrier is stopped unfettered trespassing into Yuma farm fields. The Border Barrier Mission in Yuma is critical and has assisted in gaining operational control over the chaos and let our brave law enforcement officers do their job more efficiently. Arizona stepped up to the plate and we will continue to protect our communities while the Biden administration does nothing.”

Republican Joanne Osborne said the state is doing what is necessary by filling the gaps.

“Illegal crossing through gaps in the border wall is not immigration," Osborne said. "The border is a revolving door to bring fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities and spread across the nation. To ask Yuma to remove anything that protects our city is ridiculous and will only exacerbate this crisis.”

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said problems at the border have strained the county's resources for too long.

“The Biden administration has continually put public safety at risk by ignoring border communities," he said. "We’re doing what we can to address the issues in Cochise County. Our community – its people, hospitals, food banks, nonprofits and law enforcement have been stretched thin for far too long. We’re grateful for Governor Ducey’s bold actions to protect Arizona and its citizens.”

Sen. David Gowan (R-14) claimed that Biden has "turned a blind eye" to crimes that occur along the border.

“Arizona’s border communities are tired and weary of being the major pipeline for drugs and human smuggling," he said, adding that Biden has "all but encouraged the cartels to use our state as they please. Help is needed now. With little to no help to secure our border from the federal government, the Border Barrier Mission will help to keep our communities safer than they are now."

Rep. Gail Griffin agreed.

“The Biden administration has forgotten their duty to protect the nation’s border," Griffin added. "The lawlessness on the ground along the border must be stopped. The Border Barrier Mission will consolidate law enforcement resources and reinforce public safety."

Senate President Karen Fann said the federal government forced Ducey's hand by taking too long to act.

“Arizona has taken resolute action to defend our state and our citizens," she said. "The federal government continues to delay construction of the border barrier. We will not wait any longer while Washington endangers the lives and welfare of Arizonans.”

Ducey noted that other officials have shipped detained immigrants to cities in the north and east, and called on federal officers like Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly to join in the effort to protect the border.

“Over the past few months, the mayors in Washington, D.C. and New York City got a taste of what Arizona border communities have been dealing with since Biden took office,” he said. “They didn’t like it. Senator Mark Kelly has even said he understood why we took matters into our own hands at the border. If Senator Kelly and Mayors (Eric) Adams (of New York City) and (Muriel) Bowser really want to address the issue, they can join us in calling for President Biden to take action at the real root of the problem and secure our southern border.”