Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen criticized Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona State Democrat lawmakers for their negligence in addressing the border crisis. Petersen stated, "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."
Petersen highlighted the overwhelming challenges faced by law enforcement agencies due to the influx of illegal immigrants, including cases of human smuggling, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. The crisis in the Tucson Sector has escalated significantly, with migrant encounters increasing by 133% compared to the previous year.
In response to the negligence of the current administration, Arizona State Senate and House Republicans are moving forward with a ballot measure known as the Secure the Border Act. This proposal, based on Texas' SB 4, aims to establish border-related crimes and punishments in Arizona law. If approved by voters in the November 2024 general election, the Act would grant local, county, or state law enforcement officers the authority to arrest non-US citizens who enter Arizona illegally.
The legislative process for the Secure the Border Act is underway, with HCR 2060 receiving its procedural first reading and committee assignment. Senate Republicans plan to adopt a strike everything amendment to the bill, with a committee hearing scheduled for May 8. The Act is expected to go through additional readings and amendments before being transmitted to the House for final approval to appear on the November ballot.
The push for the Secure the Border Act reflects Republicans' commitment to addressing the border crisis and restoring order in the state of Arizona. Petersen emphasized that the upcoming November election will provide voters with the opportunity to take matters into their own hands and make a decisive choice on border security measures.
For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov
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