Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) has issued an executive order to mobilize the state's National Guard in support of law enforcement at the southern border with Mexico.
This move comes in response to what Hobbs perceives as the federal government's failure to secure the border and protect Arizona communities.
"Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe," Hobbs stated in a press release. "With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government wont."
Hobbs further emphasized the need for additional resources and manpower to manage the influx of migrants, reopen the Lukeville crossing, and maintain a secure and orderly border. "Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizonas border," she added.
In preparation for the initiative, National Guard leaders held meetings throughout Friday. Captain Erin Hannigan told Fox 10, "Specifically, we will be assisting the Department of Public Safety." She clarified that their role is supportive, not law enforcement, and they will be stepping in to handle administrative tasks so that law enforcement can focus on active roles.
The decision to deploy the National Guard follows a surge in illegal immigration last month, with over 700 individuals crossing into the US in a single day in the US Border Patrol Tucson Sector. This prompted Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin to temporarily suspend updates from the sector's social media accounts. "In light of the ongoing migration surge, all Tucson Sector Border Patrol social media accounts will be paused until further notice. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this challenging time. Honor First," Modlin announced.
The border crisis has sparked widespread frustration among both Democrat and Republican leaders across the nation. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, after meeting with President Biden to request federal assistance in managing the city's own illegal immigration crisis, told his constituents last week that "help is not on the way."
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