Arizona Gov. Hobbs creates Operation Desert Guardian border security task force

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order Monday to create a joint border security task force called Operation Desert Guardian.

The task force will consist of members of the state’s Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Department of Public Safety and Department of Homeland Security, according to the order.

It will help federal and local authorities disrupt cartel, drug smuggling and human trafficking activities in Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties.

“My administration has been in contact with the federal government and local sheriffs about the operation, its critical objectives and our shared commitment to keeping criminals and drugs out of Arizona’s communities,” Hobbs said in a press release Tuesday.

Today, I signed an Executive Order launching Operation Desert Guardian to combat cartels, stop drug smuggling and human trafficking, and secure Arizona’s border. pic.twitter.com/fTnY8QJIHX

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) February 25, 2025

The initiative will be paid for with a portion of the $28 million balance in the state’s Border Security Fund, according to the Governor’s Office.

Operation Desert Guardian will bolster previous initiatives

Hobbs has said she wouldn’t allow state resources to be used to help with immigration raids.

Instead, she wants the state’s border security efforts to remain focused on keeping drugs, guns and dangerous people out of Arizona communities through ongoing operations.

For example, Operation Desert Guardian seeks to build on the efforts of Hobbs’ Task Force SAFE, which is part of her SAFE (Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic) Initiative.

Task Force SAFE, which is made up of members of the Arizona National Guard, was created to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection efforts to keep drugs from entering the state from Mexico.

“I have worked productively with the federal government on Task Force SAFE and partnered with local law enforcement to deliver critical border security support, and I look forward to continued partnership on our shared border security priorities,” Hobbs said in Tuesday’s press release. “With Operation Desert Guardian, I’m confident we can take an important next step in our ongoing work to secure the border.”

Related

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs says state won't help with federal immigration raidsArizona Gov. Hobbs says she welcomes help as more active-duty military head to southern borderKatie Hobbs highlights border, housing, water during State of the State addressFBI investigating shooting at ICE field office in PhoenixUS Marshals rescue missing Arizona girl; 2 suspects taken into ICE custodyRep. Greg Stanton calls DHS warehouse purchases ‘a joke’ amid Surprise ICE facility pause