Grand Canyon Times

Republicans in the Arizona Senate are planning to put a “strike everything” amendment on HCR2060 to ask voters to approve “Secure the Border Act” despite Governor Katie Hobbs’ opposition to the legislation. 

HCR2060 includes a proposition to voters about employers using an E-Verify system to ensure an employee’s eligibility for employment. Senate Republicans will amend the bill to reflect the question of adopting the Secure the Border Act, modeled on Texas’ SB4, which, if enacted, would give Arizona the ability to enforce their borders to the same degree.

“The Secure the Border Act establishes in Arizona law border-related crimes with subsequent punishments,” a release from the Arizona Republicans said. “Local, county, or state law enforcement officers would be granted authority to arrest any non-US citizens who illegally enter Arizona outside of a port of entry, as well as those who have previously been ordered to leave but are refusing to comply.”

The bill will go through a second reading on the Senate floor before going to a committee hearing on May 8. A third reading of the amendment is expected on or before May 15, after which it will be transferred to the House for final approval for the ballot. 

"Arizona Democrats in power have shown us time after time, with every 'no' vote and veto of our border security legislation, that they are not concerned for the safety and well-being of our citizens, nor have any care for the wasted taxpayer dollars being used to mitigate the fallout from Biden's border invasion," Senate President Warren Petersen said. "Their priorities are tone deaf to the realities Arizonans are facing, and this will be confirmed when voters have the chance to take matters into their own hands this November. Republicans are committed to securing the border and returning sanity to our state after the chaos Democrats have willfully perpetuated with our current Governor leading the charge."