A new initiative from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ office will work with Border Sheriff and the federal government to work together on cross-border crime issues. But not everyone is on board yet.
Hobbs says Operation Desert Guardian will spend $28 million in state border funds and partner with sheriffs in Yuma, Cocheese, Pima and Santa Cruz counties to carry out anti-drug operations and more. But some say they’re not briefed.
In a statement regarding the program, Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmott says his county already has an established local drug task force, which state entities are being asked to participate. And he argues – like past efforts like former government Doug Ducey’s border attack force, Hobbes’ new operations were formed without opinion from local law enforcement.
He says that local sheriffs will bring collaboration as they have years of experience in their field, but they want to consult with them.
“The county agencies mentioned in Operation Desert Guardian should have been involved in how this worked before it was made public,” he said in an email. “We are all trying to fight these cross-border organisations and need to work together, but the sheriff is not part of these debates mentioned in the press release.”
Wilmott is seeking clarification from the governor’s office about the new plan. Kochise County Sheriff Mark Dunnell also said he had not been explained.
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