The Office of the Governor of the State of Arizona
01/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 17:40
Governor Hobbs Announces $17 Million for Border Security
Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced $17.2 million in funding from the SAFE (Stopping Arizona's Fentanyl Epidemic) initiative to support local law enforcement's border security work, drug interdiction efforts, and combatting human trafficking. This investment will support law enforcement departments, including county sheriffs' offices, to address critical challenges in Arizona's border communities. Governor Hobbs has delivered over $100 million to support local law enforcement border security efforts.
"Our law enforcement officers play a critical role in securing our border and keeping Arizonans safe," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "By working together, we can stop dangerous drugs from harming our communities, assist those struggling with addiction, and ensure our officers have the tools they need to succeed. I'm proud to deliver this funding to local law enforcement to secure the border."
County sheriffs and local police departments will leverage this funding to aid in drug interdiction efforts in border communities.
"Fighting fentanyl isn't just about making arrests," said Col. Jeffrey Glover, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety . "It's about saving lives, protecting our Arizona communities, and ensuring a safer future for all."
In 2024, DPS seized 2,645 pounds of fentanyl, which is valued at approximately $35.5 million. The Arizona National Guard's Task Force SAFE mission launched in 2024 and has confiscated more than 8 million fentanyl pills and over 2,000 pounds of meth, cocaine, and powdered fentanyl, valued at more than $20 million.
"The Arizona Sheriffs Association thanks Governor Hobbs and the Arizona legislature for appropriating these funds to help combat border-related crimes," said Sheriff David Rhodes, president of the Arizona Sheriffs Association. "Local governments lack the needed funds to provide necessary law enforcement resources. We must all continue to work together."
You can find a breakdown of the distribution of the funding here.
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