INCOMING! Critics slam 'irrelevant' Katie Hobbs as governor seemingly changes view on border security

Nogales, Arizona: In a visit to the Nogales border crossing, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs outlined her approach to border security and sicussed working with the incoming Trump administration. In what critics call an unsurprising u-turn, Governor Hobbs signaled her willingness to collaborate with federal agencies to address Arizona's security needs, but also maintained her commitment to standing up against policies that could negatively impact the state.

During the visit, Hobbs highlighted the successes of Arizona's current border security efforts. She praised the Arizona National Guard and the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) for their work in collaboration with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through initiatives such as Task Force SAFE.

According to the Governor's office, these efforts have resulted in the seizure of over six million fentanyl pills and more than 1,400 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and heroin.

“This progress should serve as a reminder that we will not rest,” Hobbs stated during the visit. “The people of Arizona and this nation want more than words—they want results.”

Governor Hobbs, a Democrat, faces the challenge of governing a state where Donald Trump recently secured a decisive victory. Unlike some of her Democratic counterparts in other states who have taken a combative stance toward the Trump administration, Hobbs is open to collaboration when it benefits Arizona.

“I look forward to having conversations with the incoming president about Arizona's needs, including border security,” she told reporters. However, Hobbs made it clear that she would oppose "misguided policies" or actions that threaten Arizona's well-being.

While outlining her plans, Hobbs avoided providing specifics about how her administration would address potential mass deportations — a key promise of Trump's campaign. She described such proposals as vague and pledged to respond appropriately when more details emerge.

“It’s hard to be specific when what we’re presented with is a whole slew of threats,” Hobbs said. “We will absolutely respond appropriately when we know what those threats look like and how we can effectively respond.”

Critics, however, argue that her messaging lacks clarity. During a press conference, questions arose about whether her stance on federal immigration enforcement, including mass deportations, might create mixed signals. After the event, Hobbs clarified to reporters that her administration would not participate in such actions if they conflict with Arizona’s values or priorities.

“We will not be participating,” she told ABC News when asked whether state police or the National Guard would support mass deportation efforts.

Arizona State Senate President Warren Peterson was more strident in his criticism: "We've tried everything we can to pass laws to enforce the federal laws that are not being enforced. Well, now they're saying, 'Hey, we're going to enforce the federal laws'. So it's, you know, she's kind of irrelevant in a way. And quite frankly, the bill, the proposition we just passed off the ballot, in a way, is irrelevant because President Trump, the federal government, is actually going to enforce the law."