Screenshot: ABC News
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared that Arizona will not comply with President Trump’s promised mass deportation policies.
Katie Hobbs is once again playing political theater at the U.S.-Mexico border this week, staging what many are calling an elaborate PR stunt while simultaneously vowing to defy the Trump administration’s promised mass deportation policies.
Hobbs, who barely won the governorship in 2022 after stealing it from Kari Lake, launched her new initiative dubbed “Task Force Safe.”
Hobbs rolled out a plan that, while flashy on paper, seems more focused on optics than results.
During a press conference at the Nogales Port of Entry, Hobbs claimed her initiative has already led to the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills and other drugs, touting her commitment to border security.
She claims she’s open to working with Trump’s administration, but only if mass deportation plans are off the table—ironically, one of the most effective tools to reduce illegal crossings and protect Americans.
“Border security was a core issue of the Trump campaign,” Hobbs told reporters.
“I look forward to having conversations with the incoming president about Arizona’s needs, including border security and the work we’ve done here to build these partnerships that are actually producing results and how we can continue those partnerships under his administration.”
[There are Arizona families who] “are worried about threats from the Trump administration as well.”
“I will not tolerate actions that harm Arizonans, that harm our communities and quite honestly, divert resources from providing real security at our border… I will stand up to protect Arizonans from harm by the federal government, from anyone.”
On Monday, Trump confirmed to declare a ‘National Emergency’ on immigration and will deploy the military to initiate mass deportations.
When pressed on whether state police or the National Guard would assist with Trump’s proposed mass deportations during an interview with Kyra Phillips, Hobbs doubled down on her opposition, stating she would not tolerate such ‘misguided efforts’ that would ‘harm our communities.’
Kyra Phillips:
You’ve said you’ll work with the administration. Clearly, Americans believe President Trump is the solution to the border crisis. Putting aside personal policy disagreements, does this new administration allow for a reset on the border and real change?
Katie Hobbs:
What we’re doing with Operation Secure Task Force Safe is an example of successful partnerships. I am hopeful that this collaboration can continue. I believe the incoming administration should listen to my administration, the experts on the ground, and those doing the work to understand what is most needed.
What I will unequivocally say is this: as governor, I will not tolerate misguided policies that harm or terrorize our communities. Arizona will not participate in such efforts.
Kyra Phillips:
What misguided policies are you referring to?
Katie Hobbs:
The Trump administration’s emphasis on mass deportations. What we saw today are real efforts at ports of entry—interdicting drugs and keeping our streets safe. This is the work that secures our border, and we need more of it.
Kyra Phillips:
Trump has promised mass deportations on day one. Arizona has an estimated quarter of a million undocumented immigrants. Some Democrats, like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallegos, have said they won’t allow local police to assist. Would you allow state police or the National Guard to carry out mass deportations?
Katie Hobbs:
We will not participate in misguided efforts that harm our communities. I have been incredibly clear on that.
Kyra Phillips:
So, you disagree with mass deportations, which the President-elect has committed to pursuing on day one?
Katie Hobbs:
I believe such efforts would divert vital resources from critical drug interdiction, smuggling, and trafficking operations that keep harm out of our communities. The work happening here today underscores the importance of focusing resources on these efforts rather than mass deportations.
Kyra Phillips:
What worries you most about mass deportations?
Katie Hobbs:
The diversion of law enforcement from their daily efforts to keep communities safe, people hiding in fear, and the harm it causes to families. We’ve seen this before under prior state policies, and it’s not going to happen on my watch.
WATCH:
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