Controversy Over Border Security Funding in Arizona
In a recent development, Republican lawmakers in Arizona have decided against allocating $250,000 in border security grants to Santa Cruz County, following the county sheriff’s refusal to enforce a new border-related ballot measure.
Sheriff David Hathaway, who serves Santa Cruz County, made headlines when he informed a congressional committee of his intentions regarding Proposition 314. This ballot measure, which authorizes sheriffs to enforce immigration laws, did not win him over. “You know, frankly, I do not want to do [Border Patrol’s] job, and they don’t want to do my job,” Hathaway expressed during his testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee. The measure was approved by voters two months after his statement.
Reacting to Hathaway’s comments, State Senator John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) led the charge to exclude Santa Cruz from the list of recipients for the $1 million in border security grants. “So since he’s expressed hostility to border enforcement and in the end said he didn’t want to do the job, I see no reason to give money directed for this to him,” Kavanagh, who chairs the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, articulated.
The committee, dominated by Republicans, voted along party lines to redirect the grants, allocating $800,000 to five other rural counties, including some that do not border Mexico, such as La Paz, Graham, and Greenlee counties.
Administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, these grants form part of the Border Security and Law Enforcement Grants program, requiring legislative approval prior to distribution to local law enforcement agencies.
Democratic committee members opposed the decision, citing the historical context of the funding. “And so if we take out Santa Cruz County, that is defunding the police,” stated Rep. Nancy Gutierrez (D-Tucson). Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson), who represents parts of Santa Cruz County, argued that the sheriff is already executing duties funded by the grant, separately from the unfunded Prop. 314.
The sheriff’s absence of comment notwithstanding, a letter from Santa Cruz County Manager Jesus Valdez to lawmakers underscored the importance of the funding. Valdez emphasized that the grants support critical resources essential for protecting the community, which includes two ports of entry. He highlighted that a cut in funding could exacerbate issues related to gang activity and transnational crime.
Republicans hinted at a potential path for Santa Cruz County to reclaim the funding. Rep. David Livingston (R-Peoria), vice chairman of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, suggested that the county and the sheriff align with state laws to secure the funding. Livingston also extended an invitation to Hathaway for further discussions.
—
Read More Arizona News
