AZ Governor Katie Hobbs: Operation Desert Guardian Initiative

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited Cochise County to meet with Sheriffs from around Arizona and to update the community on the progress of Operation Desert Guardian.

Flanked by Arizona's Border Sheriffs, local law enforcement, Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco, and directors of Arizona's Homeland Security, Governor Hobbs thanked the agencies for their dedicated efforts and gave an update on the mission.

What is Operation Desert Guardian?

Operation Desert Guardian is a border security initiative launched by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in February 2025 through Executive Order 2025-01.

The initiative established a joint task force throughout the state to combat transnational criminal organizations. The combined forces focus most of their efforts on opposing the Mexican drug cartels that are known to operate in Arizona’s four southern border counties: Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise.

READ MORE: Trump: Border Wall Construction Finally Being Resumed in Arizona

Why Was Operation Desert Guardian Established?

According to Governor Hobbs, the joint task force was established to disrupt cartel supply chains and networks, identify and reduce security vulnerabilities along Arizona’s southern border, enhance interagency collaboration, and fund operations with some of the state's $28 million Border Security Fund.

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Hobbs said the task force has been "a very successful operation." She reported that, to date, the task force has:

• Seized drugs with a street value of over $77 million.
• Removed 988 illegal weapons from the streets.
• Sent a clear message to Cartels operating along the Arizona/Mexico border.

That message, according to Hobbs, is "Don't come here. If you do, we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

READ: Arizona Voters Want Something Done About the Border NOW

State and Local Law Enforcement: The Collaboration is Working

Sheriff Mark Dannels reiterated the governor's message, saying this collaboration is "all about quality of life...public safety...and investing within our communities, and our state as a whole. When we work together, we're all better off."

Dannels went on to say that when these organizations combine efforts, they help ensure Arizona is a safe place for families and citizens to call home.

See the full video from Governor Katie Hobbs' YouTube Channel here: