PHOENIX — On Monday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her readiness to collaborate with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump on matters related to border security, particularly in combating fentanyl trafficking. However, she made it clear that she would not support initiatives she believes could adversely affect families in Arizona, such as mass deportations.
During her visit to the Arizona-Mexico border, Hobbs highlighted the significant role played by the National Guard in the state’s efforts to tackle the smuggling of fentanyl, a highly dangerous synthetic opioid, through Nogales, Arizona. It is noteworthy that a substantial portion of the nation’s fentanyl seizures occurs in Nogales.
“Border security has been a central theme in the Trump campaign,” Hobbs remarked while engaging with the media amidst the backdrop of moving vehicles. “I am eager to discuss Arizona’s needs, including border security and our successful partnerships that have yielded tangible results. I hope we can continue these collaborations in the new administration.”
However, she expressed concern about the potential concerns that Arizona families might have regarding policies from the Trump administration. “I will not accept any actions that could jeopardize the well-being of Arizonans or undermine our communities, and that detracts from providing genuine security at our border,” she stated.
Trump has indicated plans to carry out what could be the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history, a move that could significantly impact the lives of approximately 11 million undocumented individuals living in the country, many of whom have U.S. citizen family members. Hobbs emphasized her commitment to protecting Arizonans from federal government overreach and clarified that, “I’m not going to speculate on hypothetical situations, as we are uncertain about what a mass deportation plan would entail or the resources it might require.”
She also showcased Operation Secure, her program that utilizes National Guard personnel to bolster the efforts of local and federal authorities in border communities, including Nogales. Currently, 170 National Guard members are deployed across Arizona to support drug enforcement initiatives, with 40 of them stationed specifically at the Nogales border.
Hobbs’s trip to the border follows a series of disappointing electoral results for Democrats in Arizona, where Trump triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris by roughly 185,000 votes and strengthened the Republican majority in the state legislature.
The governor stressed that border security transcends party politics, stating, “This is not merely a Republican or Democratic issue. I am willing to work with anyone to ensure the safety of our border.”
Additionally, Troy Miller, the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, remarked at the press conference, labeling the National Guard members as “a vital force multiplier” for CBP operations at the Nogales port.
“The magnitude of this challenge is enormous, and the implications are too significant for us to handle this work in isolation,” Miller asserted. “That’s why I take great pride in the collaborations we’ve developed, particularly those right here in Arizona.”