Local Perspectives on Immigration and Border Policy in Arizona
The ongoing situation at the US-Mexico border is a common theme in national news, yet in southern Arizona, life remains challenging amid swirling red desert dust. Local leaders grapple daily with the complexities of community safety versus the broader national conversation on migration.
Kathleen Wynn, the chair of the Pima County Republican Party, shared her frustration over the past four years regarding federal budget management. In a discussion, she noted that while the Biden administration allocated “millions” to infrastructure, some of that money, she believes, has supported what she calls illegal immigration. “That money is immeasurable; it got injected into the budget, and now they realize they need to cut back because the funds have dried up,” she elaborated. “For years, we’ve been the entry point for various issues plaguing this country. We’re facing the consequences now.”
In response, Eric Robbins, chair of Pima County Democrats, sharply criticized the immigration policies reminiscent of the Trump administration. “Arizonans are fed up with the misinformation and brutality from the prior administration,” he claimed. Robbins accused Republican leaders of exploiting fear and mentioned dubious arrests conducted by “masked, unidentified agents” who allegedly apprehended innocent individuals.
Robbins highlighted alarming practices such as family separations and the militarization of border enforcement, labeling them a “documented pattern of abuse.” He emphasized these actions compromise the efforts of local law enforcement. “It’s a systematic failure presented as patriotism, not security,” Robbins stated, urging a recognition of the difference between nationalism and patriotism in current rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Jesus Geres, a member of the Santa Cruz County Republican Committee, echoed Wynn’s concerns about reduced enforcement over the years. “There has been a considerable halt in enforcement activities,” he mentioned, emphasizing that agents could only process and release undocumented individuals rather than arrest them.
Wynn underscored Tucson’s pivotal role in the national migration landscape. “What occurs at the border significantly impacts the interior of the country. Tucson is the entry point once you cross into the heartland,” she explained, adding that rising crime rates are a direct reflection of these border dynamics.
Despite Wynn acknowledging a decrease in illegal immigration, she admitted that drug smuggling remains a pressing issue. “While human smuggling might have declined, drug trafficking continues robustly,” she explained, pointing to entrenched networks operating in Arizona.
Concerns about rising property theft along travel routes have also been voiced. Dandeling, a state commissioner for the Santa Cruz County Republicans, noted, “There’s an increase in property crimes along these passages, and sadly, we often discover bodies of those who tried to cross the desert.” He criticized what he viewed as a failure of cooperation between local and federal authorities regarding enforcement.
He highlighted a contentious divide within the local law enforcement community, mentioning that Sheriff David Hathaway has opted out of cooperating fully with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The sheriff’s office, according to Hathaway, does not possess the necessary resources or training for immigration enforcement.
Jeres raised alarms about the implications of ignoring undocumented individuals, saying, “We’ve encountered many unknown people, some with dubious backgrounds. It’s troubling; they don’t understand our laws.” His comments reflect growing anxieties about the community’s safety.
As Wynn concluded her remarks, she reiterated support for Trump’s border policies, believing they enhance safety and secure the country’s borders. “Our priority is to ensure we know who is in our nation,” she asserted, reinforcing the belief that stricter policies lead to a safer environment.
Santa Cruz County Democrats did not respond to requests for commentary regarding these emerging perspectives.
