NW Valley Times

Rep. Austin Smith voiced his criticism of Governor Katie Hobbs and President Joe Biden for the ongoing situation at the Arizona border, where thousands are crossing at the Tohono O'odham Reservation.

"This is an incredibly horrific situation and not a peep or move from Governor Hobbs. Hobbs is putting the profits of human smugglers above the safety of Arizonans and these individuals by doing absolutely nothing to stop the unrestrained, unvetted stream of illegals into this country. Shame on you, Katie and Joe Biden. Impeachable offenses, IMO," said Austin Smith.

The Tohono O'Odham Nation, Arizona's second-largest reservation, is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Tucson. It houses the smallest port of entry in Arizona, where Border Patrol has apprehended 3,000 people since last Friday. Due to the increasing number of migrants, Border Patrol is conducting multiple trips daily. Migrants are improvising shelters from available materials in an effort to protect themselves from the sun, according to KVOA.

The ongoing border situation has caused lawmakers to express mounting concerns about various critical issues. Key issues include human and drug smuggling and the growing influence of cartels in the region. In Southern Arizona, drug trafficking, particularly synthetic opioid Fentanyl which is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine has become a concern, according to ABC News.

"The invasion is getting worse," said Ben Bergquam, host of “Law & Border” on X platform. "It all appears to be coordinated in an effort to push the crossings to areas where they think cameras can’t get in order to prevent Americans from being able to see it."

Arizona lawmakers have also raised additional concerns in response to reports of a growing number of migrants, allegedly, heading towards the border, potentially numbering in thousands. Originating from Mexico, this substantial group may consist up-to 5,000 migrants from countries including Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and others, according to Reuters.

"7,000+ illegal aliens have formed a caravan in Mexico and are heading to our southern border right now," said Rep. Andy Biggs according to X platform. "It's time for the Biden Administration to stop playing games. Build our wall. Enforce our laws. Secure our border."