New Arizona border operations center unites multiple law enforcement agencies at 1 facility

PHOENIX — The Oletski Border Operations Center is now open in southern Arizona, bringing together local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to better protect the border.

“This is the first center of its kind anywhere in the country when it comes to us working … [a] border mission like this,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels told KTAR 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Tuesday, a day after the facility debuted.

Dannels said combining resources at one location makes border enforcement more effective.

“It brings law enforcement — state, local and federal — together with one action-driven mission,” he said. “We’re sharing our authorities. We’re sharing our badges. … We’re looking for any crime that’s got a connection to the border.”

The center’s targets include smuggling, illicit drug trafficking and financial crimes involving cartels, he added.

In addition, the Oletski Border Operations Center can monitor 1,300 plus cameras that cover the southern half of Arizona.

“We’re pulling about 70,000 people a year coming across on our camera system alone,” Dannels said.

Who is Arizona border operations center named for?

Gov. Katie Hobbs was among the officials who attended the facility’s opening Monday in Sierra Vista.

The Oletski Border Operations Center in Cochise County is a game changer that will strengthen community safety and border security.

I was honored to join its dedication to Cochise County Sheriff Deputy Christopher Oletski and Border Patrol Agent Joshua Oletski. pic.twitter.com/kwucXZMmMq

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) October 29, 2024

I was honored to join Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and other state leaders in dedicating the Oletski Border Operations Center, named after two brothers, Chris and Josh, who risked great danger to protect us.

I was proud to work with Governor @DougDucey as his budget… pic.twitter.com/SrmXks2Isw

— Matt Gress (@MatthewGress) October 29, 2024

Also at the opening were the center’s namesakes: Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Oletski and U.S. Border Patrol Agent Joshua Oletski.

The brothers both were injured while on duty near the border.

Honored to speak at the Border Operations Center dedication ceremony in Sierra Vista and pay tribute to the Oletski brothers, law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty while keeping our community safe! pic.twitter.com/sZl0ebuPYi

— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani) October 29, 2024

Honored to attend the dedication of the new Regional Border Operation Center in Sierra Vista, named for Cochise County Sheriff Deputy Christopher Oletski and his brother Border Patrol Agent Joshua Oletski. pic.twitter.com/XWAYrxZz87

— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) October 28, 2024

Christopher was seriously hurt during a chase involving a human smuggling suspect, and Joshua survived getting jumped and having his throat cut in Cochise County.

“Two awesome law enforcement professionals,” Dannels said.

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