In a significant development highlighting internal dissent within the Democratic Party, Arizona’s Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, has broken ranks with President Joe Biden, addressing the escalating illegal migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Hobbs, mirroring the actions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, issued an executive order mobilizing elements of the Arizona National Guard to secure the state’s border, citing an “unmitigated humanitarian crisis.”
Hobbs, frustrated with the federal government’s perceived negligence, criticized Biden for failing to address Arizona’s pleas for resources and manpower to combat the crisis. She emphasized the necessity of federal intervention, stating, “With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government won’t. But we can’t stand alone, Arizona needs resources and manpower to reopen the Lukeville crossing, manage the flow of migrants, and maintain a secure, orderly and humane border.”
Despite Hobbs urging the Biden administration to deploy troops over a week ago, she revealed that only approximately 2,500 National Guard members are currently on federal active duty orders at the southern border, with a mere 243 deployed in the Tucson Sector. This move by Hobbs reflects similarities with Texas Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which involves state military and police personnel supporting federal law enforcement efforts at the border.
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In response to the crisis, Hobbs’ administration has initiated “Operation Secure,” wherein the military will collaborate with the state’s Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement to address violations of state laws, including fentanyl interdiction, analytical support, and human trafficking enforcement in the southern border region.
The closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry by the Biden administration nearly two weeks ago has led to an international humanitarian crisis and has compromised Arizona’s safety and commerce. Governor Hobbs engaged with Alfonso Durazo, governor of the adjacent Mexican state Sonora, to explore ways to maintain international commerce despite the challenges posed by the port’s closure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, part of the House Republican majority critical of Biden’s immigration policies, continues to press for the enforcement of existing laws. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Johnson emphasized the need for a substantial border security plan, linking aid to Ukraine with a commitment from Biden to effectively address U.S. border security.
Johnson accused the Biden administration of lacking clarity in its strategy for Ukraine, highlighting the insufficiency of responses despite substantial financial aid to the country. He insisted on a clear articulation of the plan to allow Ukraine to succeed, underlining the increasing national debt and the need for responsible governance.
Governor Hobbs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the burden borne by Arizona due to federal inaction in managing the state’s southern border. The closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry has not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but has also disrupted border operations, with customs officers diverted to process undocumented immigrants.
As the Biden administration faces mounting criticism from within its own party and across the aisle, the situation at the border remains a critical and contentious issue, demanding swift and comprehensive action to address the concerns raised by Governor Hobbs and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
