Arizona Senate Committee Greenlights $50 Million Boost for ‘Border Crime’ Combat Efforts

An Arizona Senate committee has approved a significant increase in funds aimed at addressing border-related crimes. The proposed legislation, discussed on Monday, would raise the state budget allocation for such enforcement efforts from $17 million to $50 million.

The financial boost, outlined in House Bill 2606, aims to support local law enforcement in combating drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other related offenses. This funding could also extend to grants for municipalities to cover associated prosecution costs.

Republican state Representative Quang Nguyen of Prescott championed the legislation, expressing the need for additional resources to tackle rising crime linked to border security issues. During the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and Border Security meeting, Nguyen and fellow Republican lawmakers defended the proposed budget increase.

Jen Marson, executive director of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association and the Arizona Association of Counties, pointed out that voter approval of Proposition 314—passed with 63% support—afforded law enforcement the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, although its implementation awaits a Supreme Court ruling on its constitutionality.

Supporters assert that the new funding will focus exclusively on state crimes without infringing on federal immigration enforcement. Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes emphasized that the aim is to address state-level crimes exacerbated by inadequate border security.

Concerns persist, however. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported the seizure of nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl, a significant portion of which crossed the border from Mexico. Cochise County Sheriff Robert Watkins indicated that his region serves as a critical nexus for drug and human smuggling operations.

While the bill received a majority support from Republican committee members, some voiced dissent. Democratic Senator Lauren Kuby raised objections regarding the characterization of illegal immigration, noting that simply being in the country illegally is a civil, not criminal, issue. This perspective was echoed by Sheriff Rhodes, who stated that criminal enforcement only arises when a state law is violated.

Governor Katie Hobbs has proposed a more moderate budget for border crime enforcement at $23.2 million. Critics argue that allocating such vast sums for policing overlooks fundamental needs such as housing, education, and rising grocery costs for Arizonans.

The committee passed the funding bill with a 4-2 vote and it is set for a full Senate vote in the near future. Additionally, another legislative measure, House Bill 2733, received approval, allowing police immunity from civil liability when damaging drones suspected of drug smuggling operations.

Support for this drone-related bill has garnered backing from Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes; however, the American Civil Liberties Union cautioned about the risks associated with local law enforcement engaging in drone strikes, citing potential federal law violations.

Senator Tim Dunn of Yuma reassured the committee that local authorities would coordinate with federal agencies before taking action against drones. Despite this assurance, Kuby aligned with ACLU concerns and voted against the measure, highlighting ongoing divisions within the committee.