Hobbs Zeroes In on Arizona Concerns, Sidesteps Opposition with Dem Governors Against Trump

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has opted out of a coalition formed by other Democratic governors aimed at opposing policies from the incoming Trump administration.

Hobbs stated on Thursday that she believes such a collective approach isn’t the best way to govern Arizona.

While she vowed to confront actions detrimental to Arizona communities, she refrained from explicitly addressing whether she would impede deportations of undocumented immigrants. Instead, she highlighted her administration’s focus on border security initiatives, including a $100 million allocation for law enforcement technological upgrades and drug interdiction efforts targeted at fentanyl.

“We’ll continue to make the case to the federal government for real border security support,” Hobbs emphasized.

When pressed about her strategies to halt potential deportations ordered by the new president, Hobbs reiterated her commitment to protect communities but provided no specific actions. Her press aide, Christian Slater, remained tight-lipped on whether the administration would obstruct cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The backdrop of Hobbs’ comments is a changing political landscape, marked by setbacks for Democrats in the recent elections. Despite raising over $500,000, Hobbs was unable to secure legislative control for her party, which saw Republicans strengthen their foothold.

“I’m focused on the future,” Hobbs remarked, outlining her priorities that include community safety, border security, reducing living costs, and preserving voting rights and reproductive freedoms.

She argued that these issues transcend partisan divides, asserting, “They’re Arizona issues.”

Hobbs dismissed the Republican gains as indicative of public confidence in their governance abilities, asserting that voters continue to expect bipartisan cooperation.

Voters approved Proposition 314, which enables state and local law enforcement to arrest individuals crossing the Arizona-Mexico border outside designated ports of entry. Hobbs noted her previous veto of a similar proposal, maintaining it was not an effective tool for addressing border security concerns.

“It harms our communities and diverts law enforcement from critical local issues,” she said, emphasizing the need for a more constructive approach.

The decision of Democratic governors to collaborate against Trump is significant. Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker and Colorado’s Jared Polis have initiated a group named Governors Safeguarding Democracy, arguing for coordinated state-level efforts to enhance democratic principles.

In contrast, Hobbs expressed a desire to tackle practical concerns with the new administration, particularly issues like Colorado River water allocations and securing federal funds for high-tech development in Arizona.

“We need the federal government’s involvement,” she stated, reiterating her intent to cooperate while signaling unwavering opposition to harmful practices.

However, Hobbs has yet to clarify her stance regarding immigration enforcement and deportation policies, leaving many questions unanswered. Unlike some governors who categorically refuse to assist in federal deportation efforts, she did not directly address whether she would provide protections to individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, affecting approximately 22,000 “dreamers” in Arizona.

“I’m not getting into the details of actions that have not yet occurred,” Hobbs replied when asked.

As Trump prepares to implement his policies, the future of initiatives like DACA hangs in the balance; during his previous presidency, he attempted to rescind the program, a move subsequently overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.