Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs took to the state’s southern border on Monday to unveil a bold new initiative aimed at tackling the rampant drug trafficking plaguing the region. Standing alongside Border Patrol agents at the Nogales Port of Entry, Hobbs introduced “Task Force SAFE,” a strategic operation designed to clamp down on fentanyl smuggling and bolster border security.
In a press conference, Hobbs explained that Task Force SAFE would see the Arizona National Guard deployed to key border communities. This new force is part of the broader “Operation SECURE,” which was first launched last year to curb illegal activities at the border. Governor Hobbs emphasized that this effort was not about seeking publicity but about mobilizing state resources to make a significant impact in collaboration with federal agencies.
“When I launched Task Force SAFE, it wasn’t about making headlines. It was about mobilizing our state’s resources to make a real difference in partnership with federal agencies,” Hobbs said. “And today, I’m proud to share the progress that has already been made.”
The task force’s impact has already been substantial, with authorities seizing over six million fentanyl pills and more than 1,400 pounds of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and heroin. Hobbs underscored the importance of these efforts, stating that every drug seized dealt a heavy blow to the cartels and traffickers fueling the state’s drug crisis.
“Every fentanyl pill taken off the street, every ounce of heroin seized, and every gram of cocaine intercepted is a serious setback for the criminal networks that harm Arizonans,” Hobbs remarked.
This announcement comes at a time of heightened concern over the growing fentanyl crisis in the U.S. and increasing pressure on border security efforts, with local leaders seeking stronger interventions to protect communities from the surge in illegal drugs.