Sinema Seeks Improved Communication Between Homeland Security and NGO Partners in Arizona

Apr 9, 2019

Senator also questions federal officials on removal of Customs and Border Protection personnel from Arizona’s ports of entry

WASHINGTON – During today’s second Homeland Security Committee hearing on migration at the southern U.S. border, Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema called on Homeland Security officials to secure Arizona’s border, improve communication with non-governmental organizations in Arizona, and treat migrants seeking asylum humanely.

“Last week, I heard outside experts’ ideas to secure our ports, improve coordination with NGOs, deploy critical technologies along the border, and improve workforce morale. I was glad to hear frontline perspectives on those ideas today. I am committed to working in a bipartisan way to find solutions that keep Arizona communities safe and treat migrants fairly and humanely,” said Sinema.

Sinema spoke at last week’s Homeland Security hearing on migration at the southern border and questioned witnesses on what steps federal agencies should take to ensure the humane treatment of migrants while securing Arizona’s border. Last week, Sinema wrote to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency raising concerns over the agency’s decision to remove officers from Arizona’s ports of entry. Sinema also wrote to the Department of Homeland Security calling for additional resources and support to be sent to the Arizona border.