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3mo ago

Arizona Governor Launches Joint Task Force to Combat Border Cartels

Governor Katie Hobbs partners with federal and local authorities to establish 'Operation Desert Guardian' targeting drug smuggling, human trafficking, and border vulnerabilities.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs gives a brief speech prior to President Joe Biden's remarks at the Tempe Center for the Arts on September 28, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona.
Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her state of the state address at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, on Jan. 9, 2023.
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Overview

  • Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order creating Operation Desert Guardian to strengthen border security in Arizona's four border counties: Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise.
  • The initiative involves collaboration between state agencies, local law enforcement, and federal authorities, including Customs and Border Protection, to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
  • The task force will focus on addressing drug smuggling and human trafficking, with funding sourced from Arizona's $28 million Border Security Fund.
  • Arizona ranks second nationally for fentanyl trafficking offenses, with significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine seized at the border in recent months.
  • Hobbs' decision to work with the Trump administration on border security highlights bipartisan cooperation in addressing Arizona's critical border crime challenges.