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In just 11 days, Arizona did the job Biden’s federal government failed to do.
The previously open border near Yuma, Arizona, has now been closed with a barrier of double-stacked and locked shipping containers, according to Governor Doug Ducey.
“In just 11 days, Arizona did the job the federal government failed to do – we’ve filled every gap in the Yuma border wall,” said Governor Ducey. “As a result of our work, this is now the most secure section of the Arizona-Mexico border. It’s a model for what can be done to secure our entire southern border.”
The state-led effort was a response to the Biden Administration’s decision to halt construction on the border wall. In just over a week, the Arizona National Guard, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Transportation worked together to place 96 containers – each weighing nearly 8,000 pounds – along the 3.8-mile section of the border.
The containers were filled with dirt and rocks to provide a barrier that was both difficult to scale and impossible to drive through. In addition, the containers were placed in a way that will allow Border Patrol agents to see anyone who attempts to cross the border illegally.
“This project would not have been possible without the support of President Trump, who authorized the use of federal funds to pay for it,” said Governor Ducey. “I want to thank him for his support of our efforts to secure the border and keep our state safe.”
The project cost a total of $3 million, which was paid for with federal funds that were appropriated by the Trump Administration.
“This is a great day for Arizona and a great day for our country,” said Governor Ducey. “We’ve shown that we can secure the border – and we will not stop until it is done.”
“We are a state of laws and we will not back down from our commitment to secure our border.”
Ducey’s actions come as much-needed relief to the people of Yuma and other border communities who have been struggling to deal with the influx of illegal activity. His efforts are also a win for Arizona farmers and law enforcement who have been bearing the brunt of the border crisis.
However, Ducey acknowledged that the job is far from done and called on Washington to take action. “Border security is a federal responsibility. They need to fix the border they’ve broken,” he said.
“Our Border Barrier Mission is a win for Arizona, our communities, our farmers, and our law enforcement.”
“But the effort to secure our border is far from complete. Washington must act.”
“Every day hundreds of people come across the border into the Yuma area,” said Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls.
“By closing the border wall gaps, Governor Ducey is helping to protect our city from the dangerous drugs and bad actors that come through daily.”
“Yuma is grateful for the effective process of getting these containers in place quickly and secured. Governor Ducey showed the nation how to secure the border and keep illegal activity at the border at bay.”
Only time will tell if Washington will listen to Ducey’s pleas, but in the meantime, Arizonans can sleep a little easier knowing that their state government is doing everything it can to keep them safe.
