Arizona Gov. Ducey, 25 others ask for border meeting with President Biden

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and 25 other Republican governors Monday asked to meet with President Joe Biden soon to discuss southern border policies they say require “immediate action.”

The governors requested a meeting at the White House within 15 days, their letter read.

The state leaders said they are “seeking an open and constructive dialogue regarding border enforcement on behalf of U.S. citizens in our states and all those hoping to become U.S. citizens.”

The letter cited a rise in border apprehensions – “up almost 500% compared to last year” – and increased illegal trafficking – “Cartels and traffickers are making $14 million a day moving people illegally across the border.”

Other western governors who signed the letter were Greg Abbott of Texas, Spencer Cox of Utah, Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Brad Little of Idaho and Greg Gianforte of Montana.

The letter read in part:

“While governors are doing what we can, our Constitution requires that the President must faithfully execute the immigration laws passed by Congress. Not only has the federal government created a crisis, it has left our states to deal with challenges that only the federal government has a duty to solve.

Our immigration system may be complicated and complex, but the solution to ending the border crisis is simple and straightforward.

As President, you have the ability to take action to protect America, restore security, and end the crisis now.”

The Arizona governor’s office said in a press release the Yuma Sector Border Patrol has experienced a more than 900% increase in apprehensions compared to last year and the Tucson Sector has jumped more than 200% in apprehensions.

It’s the second letter regarding the border situation from some Republican governors sent to the White House since spring.

In May, Ducey and 19 others signed a letter criticizing the border policies in place.

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