(NewsNation) — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order Tuesday to establish a joint task force aimed at reducing cartel activity and strengthening border security operations.
The order creates Operation Desert Guardian, a joint task force that allows local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration agents “to combat the cartels, stop drug smuggling, and secure Arizona’s border,” particularly in Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties.
Hobbs, a Democrat, said the order allows her administration, federal authorities and local sheriff’s offices to “keep criminals and drugs out of Arizona’s communities.”
“I look forward to continued partnership on our shared border security priorities,” Hobbs said in an X post.
The task force will be set up by Arizona’s Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. It will focus on “the identification, deterrence, interdiction, and dismantling of” transnational criminal organizations.
In November, Hobbs expressed her commitment to “work with the Trump administration to continue efforts on border security.”
However, when asked about President Donald Trump’s pledge of mass deportations, Hobbs said, “I will not tolerate misguided policies that don’t actually help with the critical work that’s happening here.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports significant fentanyl seizures at the border, with Arizona accounting for more than 50% of the fentanyl intercepted in the U.S. in 2023.