On Tuesday, the Arizona House of Representatives approved HCR 2060, the “Secure the Border Act,” sending it to voters this November.
Republicans say the vote comes as a result of the “intentional and irresponsible” decision by President Joe Biden, Katie Hobbs, and Arizona Democrat lawmakers to block “all efforts to safeguard our citizens against the rampant crime associated with the border crisis currently threatening our national security.”
The Secure the Border Act is similar to Texas’ SB 4 and would provide local, county, and state law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals who are non-U.S. citizens entering Arizona from Mexico outside of a lawful port of entry. SB 4 is currently on hold as it’s being litigated in federal court. If upheld by the courts and if Arizona voters support the Secure the Border Act in November, this specific provision of the bill would take effect in Arizona 60 days after implementation in Texas.
Other provisions in the bill, not contingent on court rulings, include harsher penalties for drug dealers trafficking fentanyl across the border that leads to an overdose death of a person. It will also establish a state crime of any individuals living in Arizona illegally who knowingly submit false information or documents to apply for government benefits or apply for employment. Lastly, it will require state agencies administering benefits to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program, in addition to current state verification systems when determining eligibility of non-U.S. citizens.
“Arizonans need to ask Democrats like President Joe Biden and Governor Katie Hobbs why they are fighting to keep America’s border wide open,” said House Speaker Ben Toma, original sponsor of HCR 2060. “It’s unsafe, it’s unsecure, it’s un-American, and it’s indefensible. Nothing good comes from open borders. Only crime, deadly drugs, violence, unsafe communities, and an unending financial drain on American taxpayers. Yet, Democrat leaders fiercely oppose doing anything about it.”
“Arizonans have had enough and want change,” continued Toma. “They want safe communities and a secure border. House Republicans do too. That’s why we crafted HCR 2060, the Secure the Border Act, a ballot referral with meaningful reforms to protect the integrity of Arizona’s workforce, strengthen criminal laws, and reinforce the rule of law in this state. Today’s final passage sends this Act to the ballot this November, so the will of Arizona voters is heard.”
“In the 12 years I’ve served here at the Arizona Legislature, never has the border crisis been as dangerously severe as it is now, costing Arizona taxpayers more than $3 billion in 2023 alone,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “As soon as Joe Biden took office, he rolled out the welcome mat for illegal crossings and criminal activity. Now, just months away from an election, he issues yet another executive order so that we’ll all of a sudden believe he cares about the chaos he’s constructed. The citizens of this state aren’t buying it, and they will take border security matters into their own hands this November.”
“With every veto, and with every ‘no’ vote against our border security bills, the Governor and Arizona Democrat Legislators have neglected the safety of our citizens. With every terrorist allowed to cross our wide-open border, the federal government has neglected the safety of our citizens,” said Senator Janae Shamp. “The time has come to empower Arizonans to fight back against the tyranny. I wholeheartedly believe the Secure the Border Act will save countless lives, save billions in taxpayer dollars, and strengthen our national security. We must stop the invasion now, otherwise, our beloved Arizona as we know it will be no more.”
“The cartels have teamed up with our country’s biggest enemies, like China and Russia, and they are determined to destroy America. Law enforcement knows this, but they can’t stop them while the federal government is actively working against us,” said Senator David Gowan. “With Joe Biden’s latest executive order allowing 2500 illegals into our country per day, nearly one million in a year, it’s up to everyday Arizonans to stop the lawlessness. I’m pleased the Secure the Border Act is heading to the ballot, so that our citizens can provide our sheriffs with the help they need to combat this invasion and protect our communities.”
so Mexico is ally only if we can control the ‘oil’ ? Hmmmm Sounds like the Shaw and Aramco in the middle east… where oil $$$’s go – goes America? or is it the other way around
“It’s unsafe, it’s unsecure, it’s un-American, and it’s indefensible. Nothing good comes from open borders. Only crime, deadly drugs, violence, unsafe communities, and an unending financial drain on American taxpayers. Yet, Democrat leaders fiercely oppose doing anything about it.”
Its “D” Day – not much being said ; I would mention
Mexico was aligned with the AXIS POWERS – they supported Japan – Germany – Italy in their expansionist quests – Mexico printed money for Japan – look around you’ll see it if you look – SO MY QUESTION ; What was Mexico thinking an December 7th? What were their actions on the following days? What did they think when Europe was under siege ? Mexico, the other side of the ‘line in the sand’ was 100% behind our greatest foes of the generation.. the genocide against JEWS? Did they support this policy? Seems they were “AXIS” supporters..
When it became evident that the ALLIES would WIN – Mexico jumped the AXIS SHIP… not much being said about these events – Total Victory started June 6th ‘D – DAY’
Where were you Mexico?
Hobbs is a woke monster.
I will vote to approve this act in November. However since the leftists who want to deconstruct American society occupy not only the AZ offices of governor, Secretary of State and attorney general, but the executive branch-White House and the DOJ and there had better be a clause in the AZ law with teeth that REQUIRES Arizona law enforcement of this act. Our founding fathers must have depended on an engaged and informed public performing their civic duties to hold elected office holders responsible to the citizens and accountable. We are extremely unengaged. So here we are in 2024 with the most selfish and uninformed population in America’s history.
Is there a provision for deporting those illegals who are ALREADY in the country? If not, this proposal is too late.
This will drive far more Arizonans to the polls than the abortion issue to secure Republican and Trump victory. That’s all I care about and what this is designed to do. How the weak courts treat after doesn’t matter if that doesn’t happen.
I have no doubt that the Dem s have already lawyered up to sue the state if this passes.
Good!! Build The Wall! Come in legally or stay out!