Staff Reports
In a bold move that involved some witty trash-talking aimed at the Biden administration, Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced on Friday that she would be sending the National Guard to the state’s border with Mexico. This announcement came one week after Hobbs sent a letter to President Joe Biden, politely asking him to “reassign the Arizona National Guard to re-open the Lukeville Port of Entry.” According to KNXZ-TV, the port of entry had been closed due to an overwhelming number of illegal immigrants crossing the border.
In a Bizarre 180-Degree Turnaround, Dem Gov Sends National Guard to Border After Biden Snub via @WestJournalism https://t.co/ERk2PslTh2
— Beri (@sniffydogs) December 18, 2023
The news release stated that the National Guard members would be assisting the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies with enforcement activities, such as fentanyl interdiction, analytical support, and human trafficking enforcement efforts. This decisive action by Hobbs signifies a clear toughening of her stance on border security.
Interestingly, not long after Hobbs won the governor election in 2022, she publicly criticized former Governor Doug Ducey’s “improvised border barrier made of shipping containers.” In an interview with KJZZ-FM, she voiced her opinion that it was nothing more than a “political stunt” and a waste of taxpayer dollars. However, it seems that her tune has changed now that she’s in office and facing the realities of the border crisis. In her recent statement, Hobbs expressed frustration with the federal government’s lack of action and emphasized the need for resources and manpower to manage the flow of migrants and maintain a secure and orderly border.
Hobbs made it clear that she will take matters into her own hands since Washington won’t. According to the news release, she said, “Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe. With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government won’t.” She also highlighted the fact that despite repeated requests for assistance, the Biden administration has failed to provide the desperately needed resources to Arizona’s border.
The order issued by Hobbs emphasized that Arizona has been burdened by federal inaction for far too long when it comes to managing the state’s southern border. Furthermore, the news release mentioned that Arizona has not received any response from the Biden administration regarding its request for reimbursement of the funds spent on border security.
Although the exact number of National Guard members to be deployed was not mentioned in the announcement, it was revealed that Hobbs had asked President Biden for a total of 250. This move by Hobbs echoes Governor Ducey’s decision in April 2021 to send the National Guard to the border, which lasted until September.
In light of her recent visit to the border, Hobbs expressed her frustration with the Biden administration, stating, “For far too long, Arizona has borne the brunt of federal inaction on our southern border, and I am tired of it. Now is not the time for partisan politics; it is time for action.” With her spirited words and decisive action, Governor Hobbs is boldly taking on the responsibility of securing the border when the federal government won’t.
