Hobbs highlights Operation Desert Guardian, cites major seizures and demands federal reimbursement
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Summary
Governor Katie Hobbs described Operation Desert Guardian and cited large seizures (over $105 million in drugs, 16,000+ pounds of fentanyl, 1,200+ firearms and 1,400 arrests), and repeated a call for the federal government to reimburse Arizona for more than $700 million spent on border security since 2021.
In the joint session address, Governor Katie Hobbs detailed state enforcement efforts at the southern border and urged federal reimbursement for state spending.
Hobbs described Operation Desert Guardian, a coordinated effort involving state troopers, county sheriffs, tribal and federal partners. She cited recent operations in northern Arizona and said combined counter‑drug efforts had seized over $105,000,000 worth of illegal drugs, more than 16,000 pounds of fentanyl, in excess of 1,200 illegal firearms, and led to more than 1,400 arrests.
The governor said Arizona has shouldered more than $700,000,000 in border security expenses over the last five years and said the state expects federal repayment. She framed those costs as a burden on Arizona taxpayers and called on federal officials and congressional leaders to act.
Hobbs also thanked law enforcement leaders present in the chamber, including Arizona Sheriff’s Association president David Klaus and Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police president Cara O’Reilly, and recognized firefighting and law enforcement personnel in attendance.
Next steps: The address reiterated a demand for federal reimbursement; no formal request or bill was passed during the session. Any repayment would require federal action or appropriations.