PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Amid an ongoing border crisis in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs and state Democrat lawmakers are facing criticism for their handling of the situation. In response, Arizona State Senate and House Republicans are preparing to advance a ballot measure this month, which voters will consider in November.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, the Tucson Sector has seen a 133% increase in migrant encounters this year compared to the same period last year. Nearly 350,000 people have entered the country illegally through this sector during the first six months of FY 2024. This surge has strained local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as they address human smuggling, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
Senate Republicans plan to adopt a strike everything amendment to HCR 2060, which will ask voters to approve the Secure the Border Act. This proposal is modeled after Texas' SB 4 but is currently under litigation in federal court. If upheld and approved by Arizona voters in November 2024, it would allow local law enforcement officers to arrest non-U.S. citizens who enter Arizona illegally outside of ports of entry or refuse to comply with deportation orders.
HCR 2060 received its first reading and committee assignment today during Senate floor proceedings. The bill will undergo a second reading on May 8, followed by a committee hearing. By May 15, it is expected to be amended and receive its third reading before being transmitted to the House for final approval.
"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," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "Their priorities are tone deaf to the realities Arizonans are facing."
For more information:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov
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