Ducey says he supports Trump’s plan to bus migrants to sanctuary cities

PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey says he supports President Donald Trump’s proposal to bus migrants to sanctuary cities if that’s what it takes to get Congress to act on immigration.

“Phoenix has got more than its fair share of the burden, so does Tucson, so does Yuma. I don’t have any problem with other cities taking up a part of the burden,” Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos on Monday.

“What I don’t want to do is use politics to solve what is a real policy issue, but if we need to do this to get attention from Congress, whatever it takes to get Congress to act.”

The governor said it’s unfair that Arizona is taking in so many of the asylum seekers released from federal detention, especially when they are bused to Phoenix from places like El Paso, Texas.

“I do think that other states and other cities should share in this crisis. They should be part of the solution,” he said.

But, he said, the only lasting solution would be Congress changing immigration laws to slow the number of people coming to the border.

“The real way to act on this is for Congress to act, to stop the incentives that are basically saying to people if you get here, you can get across the border and you don’t have to leave,” he said.

Trump has proposed the sanctuary city plan to officials twice before, but it was shot down both times.

According to news reports, the plan was first brought to the Department of Homeland Security from White House staff in November and again discussed in February, but it was put down after officials reviewed it and found it was too costly.

Press secretary Sarah Sanders said Sunday that the idea is one of many options, but the preferred solution would be for Congress to work with the president on a comprehensive immigration overhaul.

This month, Trump also threatened to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border in order to get a hold on security.

Ducey said he hopes that wouldn’t have to happen, although he said he would support the president’s decision if it came down to it.

“I do not want to see the border shut. I’ve been absolutely consistent on this issue,” he said.

“As a border governor, (I’m) somebody who knows how important commerce is to the state of Arizona, but I prioritize public safety over avocados and commerce, and I’m going to continue to prioritize public safety.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.