Border Security

Arizona’s border counties face unique public safety challenges that extend well beyond immigration policy. Border security includes combating transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized smuggling, property crimes, search and rescue, emergency response, and protecting the safety of the communities that live, work, and travel throughout Arizona’s border region.

County sheriffs have a constitutional and statutory responsibility to preserve the peace, protect life and property, and enforce Arizona law within their jurisdictions. While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, sheriffs remain responsible for responding to the public safety impacts that occur within Arizona’s counties, regardless of their source.

How the Association is engaged

The Arizona Sheriffs’ Association works to ensure that county sheriffs have the resources, partnerships, and operational support necessary to address border-related public safety challenges. The Association advocates for responsible funding, promotes coordination among Arizona’s public safety agencies, shares operational best practices, and serves as the unified voice of Arizona’s sheriffs on issues affecting the safety and security of border communities.

The Association also believes that public confidence depends upon respect for the rule of law. Law enforcement officers performing their lawful duties deserve the full protection of the law, and public safety is strengthened when the authority, responsibilities, and constitutional role of the Office of Sheriff are clearly understood.