Grand Canyon Times

Kari Lake, a U.S. Senate candidate in Arizona, has accused her opponent Ruben Gallego and the current administration of relinquishing control of the southern border to cartels. The statement was shared by Lake's campaign with the Grand Canyon Times on October 31.

"Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Ruben Gallego have ceded control of our southern border to the cartels, and created an environment where the cartels are able to exploit and endanger Americans," said U.S. Senate Candidate Kari Lake. "On Day 1 in the U.S. Senate, Kari Lake will work with President Trump to stop the cartels and secure our border."

During their U.S. Senate debate, Lake criticized Gallego for his alleged inconsistency regarding border issues, as reported by the Washington Examiner. "Gallego continues to vote to empower cartels to bring in fentanyl, which is a weapon of mass destruction, into our country," she said. She further claimed that he expressed sorrow over a family member involved in drug trafficking but now supports policies that perpetuate such realities.

According to testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott said that cartels currently control the border under President Biden's administration. Chief John Modlin added that "nobody crosses without paying the cartels," emphasizing their control over border crossings.

Lake has outlined her plans if elected, stating she would complete the border wall and support reinstating the Trump Administration’s "Remain in Mexico" policy, as reported by CBS5 News.

Lake is running as a Republican candidate for U.S. Senator from Arizona against Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego. She previously ran for Governor of Arizona in 2022.