The ongoing situation at the US-Mexico border has become a focal point in national discourse, particularly in southern Arizona, where the red desert landscape is a stark backdrop to a complex reality. Here, local leaders grapple with the challenge of ensuring community safety while navigating the broader complications of immigration policy.
Kathleen Wynn, Chair of the Pima County Republican Party, has voiced her frustration with the management of federal budgets during the past four years. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, she pointed out that while the Biden administration allocated “millions” for infrastructure, some of that funding seems to have, in her view, “encouraged illegal immigration.”
“The funds haven’t been adequately tracked, and now they’ve realized they need to scale back programs,” she explained. “We’ve been in the thick of all these issues impacting the country. We’re facing the consequences now.”
On the other side, Eric Robbins, chair of the Pima County Democrats, criticized what he termed the misleading narrative surrounding immigration during Trump’s presidency, referring to it as a legacy marked by misinformation and cruelty.
“People in Arizona are fed up with the false narratives and harshness from the Trump era,” Robbins stated. He accused some Republican leaders of exaggerating the number of unfair arrests conducted by unidentified agents who often targeted individuals without a criminal background.
Reportedly, these agents have even detained a mother while she was on a grocery run, which Robbins claims undermines local law enforcement efforts and leads to the establishment of “profit detention centers.”
He described these practices as part of a “documented pattern of abuse,” highlighting issues like harassment of nonprofit workers and the increased privatization at the border. “This isn’t just about security; it’s a systematic failure disguised as patriotism,” Robbins added, urging people to recognize the difference between nationalism and true patriotism.
Simultaneously, Jesus Geres from the Santa Cruz County Republican Committee also noted a noticeable decline in enforcement over the past four years, echoing Wynn’s sentiments.
“Enforcement activities have been virtually nonexistent,” Geres remarked. “[Agents] can’t make arrests but can hold people temporarily until someone else comes to take over.”
Wynn emphasized Tucson’s critical role in the flow of migration. She stated, “Everything that happens at the border impacts us directly. It affects crime rates and general safety here. We’re feeling the effects of the situation at the border.”
When reflecting on border security under Trump, Wynn seemed to align her perspective with that of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). While she acknowledged witnessing fewer illegal immigrants, she admitted that drug smuggling remains a significant issue in the area.
“Human smuggling may have decreased, but drug trafficking is still rampant, with well-established networks operating in Arizona,” she added.
Wynn also pointed to significant challenges facing Pima County, tying them to what she called “mismanaged policy.” She noted, “We’re struggling with homelessness and high drug use, and the number of available solutions is limited. We’re feeling the impacts of the past four years of poor policies. It’s somewhat improving, but the effects are still glaringly evident.”
Dandeling, a state commissioner from Santa Cruz County, highlighted a rising trend in property thefts along common travel routes. “There’s an uptick in thefts, and tragically, people attempting to cross the desert often end up dead,” he explained, noting how bodies are frequently discovered by unsuspecting hikers or drivers.
Dandeling criticized the decline in collaboration between local and federal authorities, stating, “The Arizona Constitution asserts its precedence over federal law, yet here, that’s not the case. We lack proper cooperation with federal agencies.”
He elaborated that there are fundamental disagreements with the county sheriff, David Hathaway, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Hathaway has reportedly pulled support from a program that previously coordinated with border patrol.
“Given that Nogales is 95% Hispanic and Santa Cruz County is 80% Hispanic, I don’t want to create fear or tension in our community,” Hathaway said. He emphasized that his objectives include fostering a sense of safety around calling law enforcement.
Hathaway has pointed out that courts have ruled local agencies cannot be mandated to enforce immigration laws, insisting it remains a federal matter. He suggested his department lacks the necessary funding and training to take on immigration enforcement.
Geres raised alarms about the dangers posed by an influx of unregulated immigrants. “We’ve encountered many unknown individuals, some of whom might not have good intentions. The community is aware of how many are arriving… many are desperate and unfamiliar with our laws. We’re slowly catching up, but it’s concerning,” he remarked.
He also expressed unease about the complacency that seems to exist among some community members regarding these issues.
