Grand Canyon Times

State Sen. Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) is expressing concerns over Arizona's border security following Governor Katie Hobbs' controversial veto of a border control law. Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1231, known as the "Border Invasion Act," which was sponsored by Shamp.

Shamp expressed that SB 1231 would have significantly supported efforts by the Border Patrol to apprehend illegal immigrants had it not been rejected by Hobbs.

Shamp emphasized the unanimous support the bill received from the Sheriff’s Association, highlighting their expertise and firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground. 

"I know the Arizona Border Invasion Act would have helped our state and local law enforcement combat the border crisis because they’ve told me that directly," Shamp told Grand Canyon Times.

In response to the governor's rejection of the bill, Shamp said she’d push to have the bill passed again as well as consider a referendum. 

"If the governor vetoes this legislation again, we will work to send it to the ballot to let voters decide on the matter,” she said.  

Shamp highlighted the importance of addressing the border crisis and asserted that when faced with obstacles, it's crucial for the people to make their voices heard.

Regarding the recent Supreme Court decision enabling Texas to enforce its border security law, Senator Shamp commended Governor Abbott for his efforts to protect the citizens of Texas. 

She noted the significant decrease in illegal crossings observed in Texas and highlighted the contrast with Arizona's situation, where illegal crossings have increased over the past few months.

“Texas has seen a significant decrease in illegal crossings, while Arizona unfortunately has seen a significant increase over the last few months, and it’s only expected to get worse,” Shamp said.  

Shamp urged Hobbs to pay attention to what is working in other states and to take decisive action to combat the border invasion and associated crimes. 

"Our governor should be paying attention to what’s working. She has the ability to help combat this invasion and the deadly crimes associated with it," Shamp said.

Senate Bill 1231 aimed to criminalize crossing the U.S.-Mexico border outside of official ports of entry and also provided civil liability protection for state or local officials enforcing it. The bill successfully passed both Arizona’s House and Senate, despite receiving no support from Democratic lawmakers. 

This marked Governor Hobbs’ first veto of the year, following a record-breaking 143 vetoes in 2023. Shamp said the veto only exacerbates the border crisis.

The Arizona Senate Republican Caucus quoted Shamp, who posted a video on X criticizing the move made by the Democrats and the governor.

"When the federal government fails in its duties, those duties fall to the state. And when the governor fails in her duties, we the people will decide," Shamp said.

Additionally, Shamp emphasized that “People are dying,” and “Border-related crimes have more than doubled in some areas of our state.”

According to the data reported on X by John R. Modlin, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector, they apprehended 11,800 illegal aliens by the week ending March 1.

The National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), representing around 18,000 Border Patrol agents and support personnel, strongly criticized Governor Hobbs' veto of the bill. 

They contend that the veto reflects Hobbs' stance on the arrest of illegal immigrants who enter the country unlawfully. The National Border Patrol Council vehemently opposed the veto, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement along the border.

Senate President Warren Petersen expressed disappointment with Hobbs' decision. He, too, referenced the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that permits Texas to enforce its law against illegal border crossings as a basis for prioritizing citizen safety amidst concerns over lax immigration enforcement. 

Senate Republicans continue to advocate for Governor Hobbs to prioritize safety and security, echoing worries about the repercussions of illegal border activities on communities. They urge the Arizona governor to emulate measures like those in Texas and to prioritize the safety of Arizonans.