FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Arizona State Legislature Approves Critical Bill to Protect Arizonans
from Biden's Border Invasion, Awaits Governor Hobbs' Signature
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are celebrating the Legislature's passage today of a bill to protect Arizona citizens and communities from the crime and security threats associated with the current border invasion caused by the Biden Administration's refusal to enforce immigration laws.
SB 1231, known as the Arizona Border Invasion Act, establishes in Arizona law three border-related crimes with subsequent punishments. Local, county, or state law enforcement officers would be granted authority to arrest any non-US citizens who enter Arizona from anywhere but a lawful entrance point, as well as those who have already been removed from our country or denied entry, and those who have previously been ordered to leave but are refusing to comply.
After passing the Senate last week, the Arizona Border Invasion Act passed the House today and has been transmitted to Governor Katie Hobbs for her signature.
"Arizonans want and deserve safe communities, but the invasion at the border has led to countless fentanyl overdoses, rapes, murders, human smuggling, child sex trafficking, high-speed chases, subsequent deadly car crashes, and other heinous crimes that are forever transforming our state and the lives of our citizens right before our eyes," said bill sponsor Senator Janae Shamp. "Governor Katie Hobbs has declared on numerous occasions her disapproval for the lawlessness caused by the federal government's open border policies and her desire to take action to protect our citizens. This legislation is exactly what our local law enforcement needs and has asked for to rein in the dangerous criminal activity that's being thrust upon law-abiding Arizonans by the Biden Administration. The Legislature has done its job. Now is her chance to protect the citizens of Arizona by signing this bill into law, so that we can take the handcuffs off of our law enforcement and allow them to do their job."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus