In a decisive move, Arizona lawmakers have successfully [1] passed the “Secure the Border Act,” which will now be put to a vote by the state’s citizens. This critical act, passed strictly along party lines with 31 Republicans in favor and 29 Democrats opposed, aims to tackle illegal immigration head-on and strengthen border security.
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Republican-Led Legislature Bypasses Katie Hobbs, Approves Secure the Border Act to Empower Arizonans to Take Action
Full statement: https://t.co/UfBgMujVPy [2] pic.twitter.com/0wvClIpVLi [3]
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) June 4, 2024 [4]
The act encompasses [5] several robust measures, including making illegal border crossings a state crime, implementing tougher laws on illicit fentanyl, and bolstering e-verify requirements. With the Tucson sector identified as a hotspot for migrant encounters by federal data, this legislation couldn’t be more timely. “The border is a dangerous place,” stated Rep. Theresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande. “This vote empowers the people of Arizona to make their own decisions regarding our border security.”
🚨Arizona House Gives Final Approval to HCR 2060, Sends “Secure the Border Act” to Voters
“Arizonans need to ask Democrats like President Joe Biden and Governor Katie Hobbs why they are fighting to keep America’s border wide open. It’s unsafe, it’s unsecure, it’s un-American,… pic.twitter.com/MgX7L3f0cI [6]
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) June 4, 2024 [7]
Amendments to HCR2060 were made before it moved to the House, eliminating language related to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and clarifying evidence criteria for probable cause. Further amendments from the Senate now require video evidence or a law enforcement officer’s observation to establish probable cause. Despite opposition concerns about potential racial profiling and “constitutionally sufficient indicia,” the act aims to provide clear and enforceable measures to secure the border.
Critics hark back to Senate Bill 1070, fearing similar racial profiling issues. Yet, the need for more law enforcement resources, if the act is passed, is a small price to pay for the security and safety of Arizona’s citizens. “It will be an unfunded mandate,” lamented Rep. Keith Seaman, D-Casa Grande. “Arizona taxpayers will have to foot the bill.” However, many see this as a necessary investment in the state’s future.
Governor Katie Hobbs, although unable to veto this ballot referral, has a history of vetoing similar legislation this session. She claims the act could harm Arizona’s economy. “HCR 2060 will kill jobs, hurt businesses, and prevent law enforcement from stopping dangerous crimes,” Hobbs stated on May 22. “This bill will not make us safer; instead, it will demonize our communities and lead to racial profiling.”
Despite her concerns, many Arizonans believe this act is crucial for the state’s security and sovereignty. The state crime component of the bill is modeled after Texas Senate Bill 4, which is currently tied up in federal court. “Don’t Texas my Arizona,” retorted Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson. However, supporters argue that strong measures are essential for maintaining law and order.
Arizona voters will soon have the opportunity to decide on this critical issue, making their voices heard on the future of border security in their state.