Former President Trump is expected to make an appearance at the Texas border any moment now. Arizona is currently experiencing the highest number of migrant crossings, with the Tucson sector reporting close to 300,000 encounters so far this fiscal year, surpassing San Diego and Del Rio, Texas by over 100,000 encounters according to CPB.
An Arizona Sheriff recently gave a tour of the area to independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., showcasing the leftover construction material that could potentially be used to continue building the border wall. This material was purchased by President Trump on his first day in office, but construction was halted by President Biden's order.
The Cochise County Arizona Sheriff highlighted the impact of the surge in border crossings, with numbers nearly tripling compared to the previous year. The Sheriff commended Governor Abbott's efforts in Texas, which have redirected criminal activities towards Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
Regarding the response from state governors, the Sheriff emphasized the financial strain on local resources due to border-related crimes, with Arizona alone incurring $9.4 million in expenses. The Sheriff expressed the need for more support from the state government, as federal assistance has been lacking.
When discussing the transportation of migrants, the Sheriff criticized the practice of busing individuals to his county for processing, diverting resources away from enforcement activities. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of citizens and criticized the fractured approach to border management.
The Sheriff also addressed the failed border legislation in Congress, noting the lack of collaboration with national sheriffs and other stakeholders in the decision-making process. He emphasized the need for collective government action to address border challenges effectively.