Govt. Hobbs announces “Task Force Safe” to stem fentanyl entry through southern border

On November 20, 2024By Littum

NOGALES, AZ (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs toured Nogales on the U.S.-Mexico border Monday and announced a new task force to help curb the supply of dangerous and illegal drugs crossing the country.

The governor’s press conference, held at the Nogales Port of Entry, focused on efforts to combat drug trafficking, securing communities and securing the border.

According to Governor Hobbs, “Task Force Safe” consists of service members from the Arizona Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. She says the task force has already supported the seizure of more than 6 million fentanyl pills, as well as 1,400 lbs. of meth, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl powder.

The announcement builds on actions Gov. Hobbs says she has already taken to secure the border, including toughening sentencing for high-volume fentanyl traffickers, directing more than $84 million to local law enforcement to help with drug interdiction and anti-trafficking efforts.

RELATED: Gov. Hobbs says she will work with Trump on border, immigration issues

“The people of Arizona should know that their state government is stepping up to provide critical resources that border communities need to address the challenges we face. I am committed to keeping our border secure and our communities secure, and I will work with anyone to provide the resources we need to make it happen.” Governor Hobbs said in a statement.

During the latest episode of Politics Unplugged, Republican state representative Teresa Martinez responded to the governor’s planned visit to Nogales.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is that we have a lot of Democrats trying to run after Republican policies, which is very surprising. The fact that Katie Hobbs is now admitting that there is a border issue is first and foremost wonderful. Because for a while she was like, ‘There’s no problem at the border!’ Yeah, there was a problem at the border, and now she’s like, ‘Okay, that’s a problem,'” Rep. Martinez said.

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