PHOENIX, ARIZONA — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has agreed to a state budget that includes funding for 100 new Department of Public Safety troopers, with half of those positions designated for border security and immigration-related operations.
The $18.3 billion budget agreement, negotiated with Republican lawmakers ahead of the June 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, allocates $14.2 million for the additional troopers. According to budget language, 50 of the new officers will support the state’s Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), which focuses on border-related criminal activity.
The budget language directs the unit to assist with enforcing federal laws related to unauthorized immigration, investigate employment-related complaints involving undocumented immigrants, enforce provisions of Arizona’s SB1070 law, and support federal immigration enforcement efforts.
However, Hobbs’ office said the new troopers will not participate in federal mass deportation operations. Spokesman Christian Slater stated that Arizona “has not, and will not, participate in or fund mass deportations, indiscriminate round-ups of immigrants and violations of constitutional rights.”
Instead, the administration said GIITEM’s focus will remain on drug trafficking, human smuggling, cartel activity, and border-related criminal investigations. Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jeffrey Glover previously stated that immigration enforcement remains a federal responsibility unless state crimes are involved.
The budget also provides $13.2 million for local border support programs, which can be used by local law enforcement agencies for border drug interdiction efforts, prosecution costs, detention expenses, and equipment purchases related to border security operations.
Immigrant advocacy group Living United for Change in Arizona criticized the spending, arguing state funds should be directed toward housing, healthcare, and other community services rather than immigration-related enforcement activities.
Sources:
* Arizona Mirror / News From The States – MBFC Rating
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