Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego has weighed in on President Joe Biden's latest executive order concerning the border, expressing both support and a desire to keep pushing for more comprehensive measures. In a statement published on June 4th, 2024, Gallego underscored the necessity of additional actions to fortify Arizona's border, particularly in light of recent political stalemates. "Today's announcement is a step in the right direction, but we still have more work to do," he said. This includes hiring more border patrol agents, fixing the asylum system, and ensuring community safety—objectives that align with legislation he introduced weeks prior, as the Representative's press office reported.
Gallego's statement also references past achievements aimed at supporting the Arizona border sector. He played a crucial role in obtaining over $2 million in emergency funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to aid Arizona's border communities, grappling with an influx of migrant crossings. Blocking partisan games that, according to Gallego, have hamstrung efforts to find real solutions, he has long advocated for resources and reform—especially necessary with the failures of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which neglected the needs of Arizona's front-line communities.
The representative's dedication to addressing the border crisis extends beyond funding. During December meetings with various stakeholders, including local officials and business owners across Arizona, he witnessed first-hand the economic disturbances caused by the closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry. Gallego has identified the unstemmed flood of fentanyl crossing the border as another critical concern. In response, he introduced the "Buck Stops Here Act," legislation that empowers financial regulations to clamp down on fentanyl trafficking by targeting money laundering activities, as per the Representative's press office. The bill found its way into law books this past April.
With a focus on Arizona's pressing needs, Gallego's efforts culminated in a significant financial boost for the region: $54,573,093 earmarked for border crisis management. After having helped secure a total of $650 million in SSP funding as part of the 2024 fiscal year budget, he didn't wait to request Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to release these funds expeditiously, rightly prioritizing those communities borne upon the crisis's front lines. Furthering his commitment, Gallego introduced two more legislative measures in May—the Direct Hire Act and the Screening Efficiency Act—both designed to accelerate migrant processing and provide relief to beleaguered Arizona border services.
