Scottsdale Town Hall Takes Bold Stand on Alarming Surge in Violence Against Women

By Matthew Holloway |

On Wednesday evening, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) hosted a Border Safety Town Hall in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event gathered community leaders and experts to address the critical issue of border security and its implications for rising violence against women. This discussion is especially relevant in light of ongoing concerns about safety near the border and throughout the United States.

Ashley Hayek, AFPI Chief Engagement Officer, led the discussion alongside notable figures such as Art Del Cueto of the National Border Patrol Council, Rob Law, AFPI’s Director of the Center for Homeland Security and Immigration, Kimmie Dillon, Coordinator for Maricopa County, and Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp.

The AFPI shared highlights from the event through a post on X, expressing gratitude to families who shared their heartbreaking experiences related to fentanyl loss. The organization emphasized the importance of community protection and declared that the fight against these issues must continue.

Senator Shamp echoed this sentiment in her own post, attributing the escalating crisis to the policies of the current administration. She expressed condolences to families affected by this crisis, using hashtags to draw attention to the multiple concerns surrounding border security.

Recent statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicate a steady rise in convictions among non-citizens since 2021, projecting continued increases into 2023. The data reveals notable upticks in crimes such as assault, battery, and drug-related offenses, while sexual offenses did witness a slight dip after a spike in 2021.

In preparation for the town hall, Rob Law addressed serious concerns raised by a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General report. He highlighted that over 320,000 undocumented immigrant children have been released to unvetted adults, with more than 32,000 still unaccounted for. Law called for urgent awareness regarding the potential risks these children face, including trafficking and forced labor.

“The consequences of these policies are dire,” Law stated, underscoring the alarming statistics. He insisted that the government’s current approach to border security exacerbates the human trafficking crisis.

This report serves as a critical alert to Americans regarding the broader implications of border security and the challenges that intertwine with it.

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