Arizona signs legislation to combat human smuggling at the border

ARIZONA – Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation to crack down on human smuggling organizations as part of efforts to secure the border with Mexico.

The signing follows a meeting with Arizona sheriffs and builds on an announcement made days earlier by Governor Ducey along with 25 other states that make up the U.S. Governors’ Border Strike Force.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in human smuggling at the border. These criminals are driving recklessly, which often ends in death and tragedy. We have all seen the news. It is my hope that this new law will help save lives and deter more migrants from making the dangerous journey to our border,” said Ducey.

During the signing, the Governor thanked Rep. Leo Biasiucci of Lake Havasu City and the 32 co-sponsors for introducing H.B. 2696, where an individual who assists illegal human smuggling organizations or operations will be held accountable for their crime.

“With this bill, we continue to apply the hammer to sex crimes against children and human trafficking. Anyone who participates in this crime should not be on the street. We are sending the message that people who participate in human trafficking will be going to jail for a long time,” said Biasiucci.

Senate President Karen Fann also attended the signing ceremony, along with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot and Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes.

Prior to the signing, the sheriffs met for an hour with the Governor to discuss the best ways to address the border crisis.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff