Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed her readiness to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration on enhancing border security measures, particularly in combatting fentanyl trafficking. However, Hobbs made it clear during a recent visit to the Arizona-Mexico border that she would oppose any initiatives that could detrimentally impact Arizona families, such as mass deportation plans.
During her visit on Monday, Governor Hobbs highlighted the significant role that the National Guard has played in curbing drug smuggling activities in Nogales, Arizona—a major entry point for the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States. The governor praised these efforts as an example of effective border security that does not harm local communities.
“Border security is not a partisan issue,” Hobbs stated to reporters, underscoring her willingness to maintain and build upon existing partnerships to secure the border. She stressed the importance of these collaborations in producing tangible results and expressed optimism about continuing them under the new administration.
However, Hobbs also addressed concerns about the broader implications of Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his promise to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history. She reassured residents that she would stand firm against any federal actions that could harm Arizonans, emphasizing her commitment to protecting local communities from adverse federal interventions.
“I will stand up to protect Arizonans from harm by the federal government, from anyone,” Hobbs declared, asserting her proactive stance in safeguarding her constituents. The governor also spotlighted Operation Secure, her initiative that deploys National Guard members to support local and federal law enforcement efforts at the border. Currently, 170 National Guard members are engaged in counterdrug activities throughout the state, including 40 stationed in Nogales.
This declaration comes in the wake of significant Democratic losses in Arizona during the recent elections, with Trump securing a victory over Vice President Kamala Harris and strengthening the Republican majority in the Arizona Legislature. Hobbs’s commitment to a bipartisan approach to border security aims to bridge divides and enhance safety while ensuring that the rights and well-being of Arizona families remain protected.
