Senate Republicans Pass Secure the Border Act, Heads to House for Final Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Senate Republicans Pass Secure the Border Act, Heads to House for Final Vote

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In the wake of Katie Hobbs negligently blocking numerous attempts by state Republican lawmakers to protect Arizona communities from a dramatic rise in border-related crimes, Senate Republicans today proudly announce the passage of the Secure the Border Act from the Senate. This measure now heads to the House for a final vote before appearing on the November ballot for Arizona voters to approve.

The Secure the Border Act, also known as HCR 2060, is similar to Texas' SB 4 and would provide local, county, or 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 approve 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. Additionally, the measure will 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.

According to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of suspected terrorists entering the U.S illegally has skyrocketed more than 2500% since Joe Biden took office. Federal agents apprehended 367 individuals, whose names were on the terror watch list, at both the southern and northern borders between FY 2021 and FY 2024, reaffirming the urgent need for a border security measure like HCR 2060 to protect our citizens and our state.

"The Governor's reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of our citizens has left us no other option than to send the Secure the Border Act to the ballot to empower Arizonans to take matters into their own hands," said Senate President Warren Petersen.

"The people of Arizona have had enough with Democrats turning a blind eye to the border invasion," said Senator Janae Shamp. "The chaos Governor Hobbs and Democrat lawmakers are perpetuating from Biden's open border fiasco needs to stop, and I'm confident it will, when voters make their voices heard in November."

"Our sheriffs are in desperate need of action from their elected leaders, and we are answering their calls for help, despite the Biden Administration continuing to turn their backs on them," said Senator David Gowan. "Our citizens deserve safe communities, and our law enforcement officers deserve the tools to protect them. Arizonans want action, and I'm looking forward to the positive change that will come from the Secure the Border Act."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov