AZ Voters Could Make Illegal Border Crossings a State Crime

Arizona has been pleading with the federal government to secure the border. Our state's overworked law enforcement agencies have their hands full, intercepting human traffickers and individuals running drugs into the United States.

Many of these incidents have involved teens and young adults from other states, at times leading to high-speed pursuits that endanger the lives of traffickers, law enforcement, and innocent bystanders.

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Arizona's Plan to Secure the Border

The human and financial cost of the crisis has had a lot of fallout in the last few years. Seeking answers to slow down this trend, Arizona is putting the question to voters this November.

READ: Arizona Voters Want Something Done About the Border NOW

Proposition 314, also known as the Secure the Border Act, is a proposed state statute that voters will decide on the November 5th ballot.

The Committee of Homeland Security reports that more than 10 million people have crossed the southern border illegally since January 1, 2021.

Those who support the proposition say it will help to secure Arizona, making our streets safer, since the bill also seeks to punish those who cause harm by bringing deadly fentanyl into our country.

READ: Border Policy & Dangerous Chases Affect Arizona

Opponents are concerned that the bill will have a negative impact on civil rights and community relations.

According to Ballotpedia.org, here are the takeaways for Prop 314:

• State Crime for Illegal Entry: It would become a state crime for noncitizens to enter Arizona at any location other than an official port of entry.
• Law Enforcement Powers: State and local police could arrest noncitizens who cross the border illegally.
• Deportation Orders: State judges would have the authority to order deportations.
• E-Verify Requirement: The E-Verify program would be required to determine immigration status before a person could enroll in financial aid or public welfare programs.
• Felony Charges: Anyone submitting false information in order to skirt employment eligibility detection or to apply for public benefits would be charged with a Class 6 felony.
• Additional Felony Charges: Anyone knowingly selling fentanyl that results in death would be charged as a Class 2 felony.

Border states are currently bearing the brunt of this crisis, and if this bill passes, supporters hope it will help alleviate the strain on Arizona.

Sources: Congressional Research Service | ballotpedia.org | 12news.com | apnews.com | Department of Homeland Security