Arizona Gov. Hobbs is expected to make a “major” announcement on the border on Monday

Arizona Gov. Kathy Hobbs is expected to announce border policy in Nogales on Monday.

The governor’s office did not provide details on what the announcements would be, but the move comes as the federal government undergoes a major transition from the Biden administration to a second Trump administration that could lead to sweeping changes in border policy. The press release states that this announcement is related to the fight against illegal drug trafficking.

“The people of Arizona need to know that their state government is stepping up to provide critical resources that border communities need to address the challenges we face,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I am committed to keeping our border and our communities safe, and I am going to work with anyone to provide the resources necessary to do so.”

Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado, US Customs and Border Patrol and state officials are also expected to attend the event.

Hobbs has maintained a critical tone toward the federal government as the state has grappled with border issues, including a month-long shutdown of the Lukeville port of entry late last year that led to the deployment of National Guard troops to assist authorities already in the region.

During a news conference Thursday, the Democrat said she was open to working “with anybody” for “real border security,” but expressed skepticism when a reporter asked about the new administration’s plan to mass deport migrants who have crossed the border illegally.

“We will continue to demonstrate to the federal government how they can maintain real border security in Arizona. And again, I will not hesitate to stand against actions that harm our communities,” she said.

“I’m not going to go into the finer details of the action. This has not happened yet. I will work with the administration to ensure real border security. I think this effort will actually take resources out of border security. I will make sure that our communities are safe.”

“I’m not going to go into the finer details of the action. This has not happened yet. I will work with the administration to ensure real border security. I think this effort will actually take resources out of border security. I will make sure that our communities are safe,” the governor added.

An estimated 565,000 migrants were registered in Arizona in fiscal year 2024 alone, but the state’s border has also seen a high volume of drug trafficking, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, through legal ports of entry. Although arrests have decreased since asylum restrictions were put in place earlier this year, state and federal authorities continue to face multiple challenges related to the crisis.