Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced on Wednesday that the state will follow the lead of Texas and transport migrants to Washington D.C.
The announcement was a portion of a larger action plan laid out by Ducey to address the ongoing border crisis.
“With Arizona community resources under all-time demand, and little action or assistance from the federal government, individuals who entered Arizona seeking asylum have the opportunity to voluntarily be transported to Washington, D.C. The transportation will include meals, and onboard staffing and support,” a press release from Ducey’s office outlined.
Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott detailed the plan with the goal of bringing attention to the issue due to lack of action from the federal government.
Furthermore, President Joe Biden is attempting to lift Title 42, a public health measure that curbed the number of immigrants allowed into the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to transporting the migrants to the nation’s capital, Ducey sent a letter to leaders of social media companies to crack down on posts related to human smuggling.
“Cartels [are] preying on those seeking refuge for a better life, and facilitating the flow of drugs into American communities. And — these criminals are using your companies’ social media platforms to make it happen,” Ducey wrote.
The governor’s office detailed that Arizona law enforcement agencies have tracked misleading posts used by cartels to attract young adults.
“Your companies have established reporting mechanisms for criminal behavior, but we need stronger action to prevent this activity that is drawing our young people into a life of crime. Inaction only enables cartels to victimize countless youth and families. This crisis presents a real opportunity for you and your companies to take action and make a difference,” Ducey added.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Doug Ducey” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Greyhound Bus” by Kevin.B. CC BY-SA 2.0.
