Trump’s immigration plan hurts Arizona. Hobbs won’t even fight

On November 20, 2024By Littum

Other Democratic governors are joining forces to oppose Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs just dodged the questions.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs should join Kari Lake in the biggest loser tent where she can be pushed into its gutless corner.

The Democratic governor who dumped Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail won’t fight Donald Trump on his immigration crackdown — and who knows what else.

It’s not just pathetic. It is throwing in the towel and becoming a useful tool for a disruptive and dangerous administration.

Hobbs leaves other Democratic governors who are joining together to oppose some of Trump’s policies. Instead, Hobbs appears ready and willing to help Trump.

And even worse, she doesn’t have the courage to say it clearly.

Will Hobbs Defend ‘Dreamers?’ She won’t say

This week, Hobbs dodged questions on whether she will use her power to prevent mass deportations, Capitol Media Services and others reported.

Will she deploy state police and the Arizona National Guard to help Trump “secure the border?” At this point, anything is possible with her.

Trump and his “border czar” are itching to begin mass deportations, starting with criminals, those with court-ordered deportation, and then everyone else.

It is easy to support a crackdown on criminals. But what about the rest who have done nothing but work and contribute to the American economy?

What about the “Dreamers,” the immigrants brought to this country illegally as children, many of whom are professionals in key Arizona industries?

Other Democrats, like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, have vowed unequivocally not to use city police to round up immigrants.

Yet Hobbs can’t even say whether they’re fair game or worth defending.

No wonder the Democrats lost. Time for a reset

Hobbs is the poster child for the Democrats’ catastrophic defeat this month, which will have ramifications for years to come.

The party handpicked Hobbs in 2022, closing the door on a competitive primary, knowing her weakness for public speaking and inability to stand up to bullies. Their saving grace was that Hobbs was up against Kari Lake, an even worse candidate.

Hobbs’ biggest success so far has been giving away the farm to the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a state budget and veto a bunch of their crazy bills.

But the Republicans got the last laugh, easily bypassing her and sending her vetoes directly to the voters. That includes Proposition 314, which, if approved by the courts, would give local governments enormous immigration power.

Hobbs’ excuse for not campaigning for Harris was her focus on flipping the Legislature and pouring millions into the effort. Still, the Republicans swept her, not only retaining both chambers, but expanding their representation.

Hobbs must feel the fire.

But if she wants to help Trump, she could join MAGA. And Democrats should line up to challenge her in two years.

Elvia Díaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or [email protected]. Follow her on X, (formerly Twitter), @elviadiaz1.