Senator discussed capacity issues in the Yuma Sector, housing and transportation challenges, and concerns over potential street releases in Arizona
Before her briefing, the Senator toured the San Ysidro Port of Entry
SAN DIEGO – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Chair of the Senate Border Management Subcommittee, received a briefing from the Region 9 Southwest Border Coordination Center, which covers both Arizona and California, on their coordination with Arizona border communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Senator discussed overcrowding and capacity issues in the Yuma Sector, housing and transportation challenges, and concerns over potential street releases in Arizona.
“Our briefing provided a helpful opportunity to see how the Southwest Border Coordination Center coordinates with Arizona communities and non-governmental organizations to address the serious challenges at our border. I will continue pushing the Administration to ensure Arizona receives the necessary resources to keep border communities safe and secure, and ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely,” said Sinema, Chair of the Border Management Subcommittee.
In February of 2022, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary established the Southwest Border Coordination Center to coordinate planning, operations, engagement, and interagency support in order to help manage migrant flows. This office coordinate with federal, state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental partners and oversee operations related to irregular migration along the border.
Immediately before the briefing, Sinema toured the San Ysidro Port of Entry, to see firsthand how port modernization helps secure the border while facilitating more efficient trade and travel between the U.S. and Mexico.
Earlier this year, Sinema introduced the Border Patrol Pay Security Act – bipartisan legislation that ensures Border Patrol agents are treated fairly regarding overtime pay, bringing the Border Patrol pay system into line with other federal law enforcement agencies. The Border Patrol Pay Security Act will help address recruitment and retention challenges in the Border Patrol and improve border security.
In February, Sinema toured Southern Arizona and held a roundtable discussion with the Border Patrol Council in Yuma to hear directly from frontline agents working to protect Arizona communities and mitigate the ongoing border crisis.
Click HERE to learn more about how the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law impacts Land Ports of Entry.