Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs today announced more than $17 million in funding for border security efforts.
Two days after his 2025 State of the State address at the state capitol in Phoenix, Governor Hobbs announced his plans to address SAFE (Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic) to “support local law enforcement agencies in their border security, drug interdiction, and counter-drug operations.” announced $17.2 million in funding from the Interdiction Initiative. human trafficking. ”
Hobbs said the funding will support local border law enforcement agencies, including in Yuma County, as part of more than $100 million already contributed to border security efforts.
In a statement, the governor said, “Our law enforcement officers play a critical role in securing our borders and keeping Arizonans safe. By working together, we can reduce the impact of dangerous drugs on our communities. We can help stop harm, support those struggling with addiction, and ensure our officers have the tools they need to succeed. I’m proud.”
Hobbs said county sheriffs, including Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot, and local police departments, including Yuma, Somerton and San Luis, will benefit from funding to support anti-drug efforts in these border areas. said.
Governor Off announced that in 2024, the Arizona Department of Public Safety seized 2,645 pounds of fentanyl valued at approximately $35.5 million. The Arizona National Guard’s Special Task Force Mission SAFE was launched last year and has seized more than 8 million fentanyl pills and more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and powder fentanyl, valued at more than $20 million.
A specific breakdown of how much Yuma County or local law enforcement agencies will receive from this funding has not yet been announced.
