Grand Canyon Times

Senate Republicans in Arizona have expressed strong disapproval following Governor Katie Hobbs' decision to veto a bill aimed at addressing border-related crimes. The proposed legislation, known as SB 1231 or the Arizona Border Invasion Act, sought to empower law enforcement with new authority to tackle illegal entry and related criminal activities.

The bill intended to establish three specific border-related crimes under Arizona law. It would have allowed local, county, and state officers to arrest non-U.S. citizens entering the state unlawfully or those who had been previously removed or denied entry but returned.

"The heart-wrenching February 22 murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley happened at the hands of a criminal who entered our country illegally. Arizona families are being torn apart by similar devastation," said Senator Janae Shamp, the bill's sponsor. She criticized Governor Hobbs for her veto, describing it as an example of chaos perpetuated by what she called an "open border crisis."

Shamp emphasized that local law enforcement supports the legislation and is struggling with increased crime rates linked to illegal immigration. She stated that "the Republican-controlled Legislature will continue to prioritize closing our border and providing law enforcement with the tools they need."

Governor Hobbs' decision has sparked debate on how best to address immigration issues in Arizona, highlighting ongoing tensions between state lawmakers and federal immigration policies.