Arizona GOP Chief Voices Anger Over Hobbs’ Controversial Border Directive

By Matthew Holloway |

Governor Katie Hobbs has officially launched Operation Desert Guardian, following the signing of Executive Order 2025-01 last week. This initiative involves collaboration among the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security. The move, however, has elicited frustration from the GOP-led legislature.

The Governor’s Office describes the operation as a strategy to “expand border security operations in Arizona’s four border counties.” The plan aims to engage with local law enforcement, sheriffs, and federal authorities to disrupt operations of Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties.

In her statement, Hobbs expressed pride in launching Operation Desert Guardian, emphasizing the fight against drug smuggling and human trafficking while ensuring Arizona’s border security. “My administration has worked productively with the federal government and local sheriffs about the operation’s objectives,” she said. “With Operation Desert Guardian, I’m confident we can take an important next step in our ongoing work to secure the border.” The order sets forth two primary goals: identifying security vulnerabilities along Arizona’s 370-mile southern border and combating crimes associated with TCOs.

In response, Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro raised doubts about the Governor’s timely concern for border security. He criticized Hobbs for her lack of meaningful action, stating, “Too little, too late. For years, Governor Hobbs has refused to take meaningful action while Arizonans have paid the price.” He highlighted that the legislature had to intervene to address the border crisis as it escalated, introducing crucial fentanyl crime legislation and securing voter support for measures strengthening illegal border crossing laws. Montenegro emphasized the apparent inconsistency in Hobbs’ recent push for border security, stating, “While I hope this effort delivers real results, it’s clear who has been leading on this issue all along—and it’s not Katie Hobbs.”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.