Arizona Seeks $750M Federal Reimbursement for Border Security Costs

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has formally requested nearly $760 million in reimbursement from the federal government for border security expenditures made since January 2021. This request, addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is tied to funding provisions in the Trump Administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1), which allocates $12 billion to states for border security costs. Hobbs highlighted Arizona's extensive efforts, including partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement through initiatives like Task Force SAFE and Operation Desert Guardian, to combat drug trafficking and cartel operations. A significant portion of the reimbursement request covers expenses incurred during former Governor Doug Ducey's tenure, including about $200 million related to the installation and removal of shipping containers used as a makeshift border barrier. The reimbursement includes detailed costs such as over $695 million for local law enforcement, $49 million for coordinated operations, and $14.6 million for staffing at international ports of entry. Hobbs emphasized Arizona's commitment to border security and urged the federal government to fulfill its reimbursement obligations under state statutes and federal law.