Two of Arizona’s outspoken Senators, Janae Smamp (R-LD29) and David Gowan (R-LD19) released forceful statements reiterating the need for House Concurrent Resolution 2060, known more commonly as the “Secure the Border Act,” after it survived a court challenge by a group of activists. The two praised the court’s decision, denying the challenge to block the measure from placement on the November 2024 Presidential Election ballot in part as “frivolous.”

The Resolution, sponsored by House Speaker Ben Toma (R-27), passed both Houses on a straight party-line vote. However, Shamp has been especially vocal on the issue. The Resolution is similar to the more divisive Texas SB4, currently held due to federal litigation. Like the Texas bill, HRC2060 provides “local, county, and state law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals who are non-U.S. citizens entering Arizona from Mexico outside of a lawful port of entry.” The passage set the stage for inclusion on the November ballot but ran into a roadblock with the filing of the ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Senator Shamp stated, “My colleagues and I worked tirelessly this session to create impactful legislation to help secure our border because the people of Arizona are desperately asking for it. The attempts from Arizona Democrats and radical left activists to deprive voters of the opportunity to decide on this matter is truly appalling. From the spreading of misinformation to the filing of frivolous lawsuits, they will stop at nothing to keep our border wide open and perpetuate Biden’s border crisis. The federal government has neglected the safety of our citizens, and the time has come to empower Arizonans to fight back against the tyranny. I wholeheartedly believe the Secure the Border Act will save countless lives, save billions in taxpayer dollars, and strengthen our national security.”

Gowan directed his statement directly at the President: “While the Biden Administration continues to turn their backs on our law enforcement, we will not. These men and women are putting their lives on the line to protect our communities from the deadly crimes associated with the border crisis, and they deserve the tools and support they need to do their job. Our law enforcement reached a breaking point a long time ago. It’s now up to everyday Arizonans to stop the lawlessness.”

The Superior Court judge’s denial of the challenge allows the Resolution to stand, ensuring it will appear on the 2024 ballot.

Sen. Shamp represents a swath of Maricopa County that encompasses parts of Goodyear, Suprise, and northward to Wickenberg, while Sen. Gowan represents large parts of Greenlee, Graham, and Cochise Counties, plus a small slice of Pima and Santa Cruz Counties.