Operation Desert Guardian, a new border task force in Arizona announced by Governor Katie Hobbs, aims to disrupt criminal organizations involved in smuggling drugs, guns, and humans across the U.S.-Mexico border. The initiative includes resources from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management. While Hobbs sees it as a critical step in securing the border, Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot is concerned about the executive order signed by the governor without consulting him or other sheriffs. Wilmot believes the creation of the task force is unnecessary, as there is already a drug task force in place, and raises concerns about taxpayer money being used for the initiative. He worries that state objectives could clash with local efforts and be counterproductive. This move by Governor Hobbs follows a similar initiative by Governor Doug Ducey, called The Border Strike Force, which faced criticism for being wasteful. Governor Hobbs’ office was contacted for further clarification but did not respond.
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