Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Arizona will not follow through on the mass deportation policy that President Trump has promised.
Katie Hobbs once again played political theater on the US-Mexico border this week, pulling off what many are calling an elaborate PR stunt while simultaneously vowing to oppose the Trump administration’s promised mass deportation policy.
Hobbs, who narrowly missed out on winning the 2022 race for governor after stealing from Kari Lake, launched a new initiative called “Task Force Safe.”
Hobbs rolled out a plan that, while flashy on paper, seems more focused on optics than results.
During a press conference at the Nogales Port of Entry, Hobbs claimed his initiative has led to the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills and other drugs, touting his commitment to border security.
He claims he’s open to working with the Trump administration, but only if mass deportation plans are off the table — ironically, one of the most effective tools for reducing illegal crossings and protecting Americans.
“Border security is a core issue of the Trump campaign,” Hobbs told reporters, according to the AP.
“I look forward to talking with the incoming president about Arizona’s needs, including border security and the work we’ve done here to build this partnership that’s really paying off and how we can continue that partnership under his administration.”
(There are Arizona families who are) “worried about threats from the Trump administration as well.”
“I will not tolerate actions that harm Arizonans, that harm our communities and quite frankly, divert resources from providing real security at our border … I will stand up to protect Arizonans from harm by the federal government, from anyone.”
On Monday, Trump confirmed he had declared a ‘National Emergency’ over immigration and would deploy the military to begin mass deportations.
When pressed on whether the state police or the National Guard would help with Trump’s proposed mass deportations during an interview with Kyra Phillips, Hobbs doubled down on his opposition, saying he would not tolerate ‘misguided efforts’ that would ‘destroy our community’.
Kyra Phillips:
You have said you will work with the administration. Clearly, Americans believe that President Trump is the solution to the border crisis. Personal policy disputes aside, will this new administration allow for a reset on the border and real change?Katie Hobbs:
What we are doing with Operation Secure Task Force Safe is an example of a successful partnership. I hope that this collaboration can continue. I believe the incoming administration should listen to my administration, the experts in the field, and those doing the work to understand what is most needed.What I will make clear is this: as governor, I will not tolerate misguided policies that endanger or intimidate our communities. Arizona will not participate in such efforts.
Kyra Phillips:
What kind of misguided wisdom do you mean?Katie Hobbs:
The Trump administration’s emphasis on mass deportation. What we are seeing now is a real effort at the ports – to ban drugs and keep our streets safe. This is the work that secures our borders, and we need more of it.Kyra Phillips:
Trump has promised mass deportations on the first day. Arizona has about a quarter of a million undocumented immigrants. Some Democrats, like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallegos, said they would not allow local police to help. Would you allow the state police or the National Guard to carry out mass deportations?Katie Hobbs:
We will not participate in wrongful efforts that destroy our community. I have been incredibly clear on it.Kyra Phillips:
So you don’t agree with mass deportations, which the President-elect has done on his first day?Katie Hobbs:
I believe these efforts will divert important resources from critical drug interdiction, smuggling, and trafficking operations that prevent the destruction of our communities. The work happening here now underscores the importance of focusing resources on these efforts instead of mass deportations.Kyra Phillips:
What worries you most about mass deportation?Katie Hobbs:
Diverting law enforcement from their daily efforts to keep communities safe, people hide in fear, and harm families. We’ve seen this before in previous state policies, and it won’t happen on my watch.
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