Amid frustration with the federal government's handling of border security, Arizona Republicans are seeking to pass a bill that would criminalize illegal border crossings and give local law enforcement authority to enforce immigration laws. The measure is designed to bypass Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who has vetoed previous efforts.
Amidst growing frustration with the federal government's inability to secure the border, Arizona Republicans are taking matters into their own hands. The Arizona Senate recently approved the "Secure Border Act," or HCR 2060, which would make it a crime to illegally cross the border and empower local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.
The bill, modeled after Texas' controversial SB 4, is a direct response to what Arizona lawmakers see as the Biden administration's failure to protect the state's border. Senate President Warren Petersen criticized Governor Hobbs for failing to propose concrete solutions to the border crisis, despite acknowledging its severity.
"The governor has openly said the border is not secure. She's said the federal government's failing us, the Biden administration's failing us, but unfortunately, it's just words," Petersen said. "She hasn't proposed anything, she hasn't given us anything for the border."
The Secure Border Act aims to address three key issues: securing the border, combating the fentanyl crisis in the state, and ensuring that individuals receiving government benefits are legally present in the country. Petersen emphasized that the bill is narrowly focused on border security, unlike Arizona's controversial 2010 immigration law, SB 1070, which was partially struck down by the Supreme Court.
By putting the question before voters in November, Republicans hope to bypass Governor Hobbs' veto authority. Hobbs has previously expressed opposition to similar legislation, arguing that it would be harmful to businesses, communities, and law enforcement personnel.
"This bill does not secure our border. On the contrary, it will be harmful for businesses and communities in our state and a burden for law enforcement personnel," Hobbs said when vetoing a similar bill in March.
Petersen, however, believes the Secure Border Act is the best solution, given the governor's lack of action on the issue.
"We've done 10 bills in the last two years to deal with border security and she has vetoed all of them," he said. "We're going to send it to the voters for them to decide in November."
Petersen expressed confidence that the bill would pass if it reached the ballot, citing widespread concern about the border crisis among voters.
The measure will now proceed to the full Senate for approval, and then to the state House of Representatives, where it has the support of Republican House Speaker Ben Toma. If passed, it would represent a significant step towards state-level action on border security, bypassing the governor's opposition.
Governor Hobbs' office has not yet responded to a request for comment on the Secure Border Act.
