IN FOCUS - Feb. 28, 2025

Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled her “Operation Desert Guardian” task force this week, pledging to secure the border through a collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement.

Ring a bell? 

Because among Governor Hobbs’ first priorities when she took office in 2023 was to disband then-Governor Doug Ducey’s Border Strike Force, which he formed in 2015 to coordinate inter-agency efforts against drug and human trafficking and other cartel activities.

Governor Hobbs isn’t the first politician to flip flop … err, engage a strategic reversal of position on a key issue. It’s a tradition as old as politics itself. Consider: Governor Ducey  was adamant he would not bend to Red for Ed protesters in 2018 - right up to the point when he did in announcing his 20X2020 teacher pay plan. 

As with Governor Ducey that year, Governor Hobbs faces what looks to be a difficult re-election bid in 2026. And illegal immigration is likely her issue of greatest vulnerability. Going tough on border security only makes sense … if she can pull it off without alienating her progressive base.

Prepare for Operation Desert Guardian to attempt to share credit in the event that illegal border crossings remain at record low levels. On that note, this week’s public shout-out by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was more than Team Hobbs could have asked for.