In a clear sign that border security is his top priority, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly plans to tour the U.S.-Mexico line in Arizona today, focusing on building the wall and a successful state campaign to crackdown on sex and drug trafficking.
He will accompany Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who has been credited with slowing illegal border crossings with his “border strike force.” Kelly is only in his third week as the Homeland boss.
He will visit the border in Nogales, Ariz., today and the San Ysidro Port of Entry in California Friday.
Kelly has promised to include state officials in the federal program to stop the illegal trade in drugs, sex and immigrants, and will be given a special briefing by Ducey and his team.
A spokesman for the governor said that the strike force has:
— Made more than 1,300 arrests.
— Seized more than 30,000 pounds of marijuana.
— Seized more than 6.5 million hits of heroin.
— Confiscated more than $7 million in cold hard cash.
It was set up September 2016. Ducey took office in 2015.
While immigrant advocates in Washington decry the administration’s focus on closing the border, those near it are begging for action.
In his 2017 State of the State address, for example, Ducey said, “Some of our bravest officers have been part of a successful effort created last year: The Border Strike Force. This team is working 24/7 to keep Arizona safe, crack down on the cartels, stop the bad guys, and hunt down the criminals who are smuggling drugs and humans into our country. The numbers are staggering.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
