Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen praised the federal court order stopping the sale of material originally intended for the southern border wall before President-elect Donald Trump retakes office.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey argued in court after a report raised concern about the legality of the practice, and the federal judge ruled that the Biden administration could not auction off the materials. In Arizona, piles of materials have been left sitting by the current administration.
“Arizona is grateful that the court stopped the lawless Biden administration from selling border materials for pennies on the dollar. The Biden admin was clearly violating congress’ intent to secure our border. AG Paxton delivered a big border security win not only for Texas but America. Conservative AGs matter,” he told The Center Square in a statement.
Trump called it a “major, crucial WIN for America,” and the Biden administration agreed to stop selling off the materials, which were coming from Texas and Arizona, according to a report from The Daily Wire.
“The Judge has also ordered an investigation into the illegal selling of the materials, which will expose just how corrupt and anti-American Radical Democrats are. I am honored to be joined in this vital case by the Great States of Texas and Missouri, and applaud Judge Drew Tipton for doing the right thing for our Country. We have to protect our Borders, and Save America. MAGA!” Trump said in a post to Truth Social.
President Joe Biden halted border wall construction through an Executive Order at the start of his administration with a few small exceptions throughout his time in office, leading to a mix of criticism and praise when it comes to the high flow of migrants crossing into the United States.
Large barrier gaps still remain throughout the border and Trump is anticipated to resume construction.
There are major implications expected for Arizona in the new year with the new administration’s border plans, including the plan to bring back the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
On a state level, Proposition 314 passed in November to allow non-federal law enforcement to enforce nationwide border laws, but it is dependent upon how a federal appeals rules on a similar Texas law, Senate Bill 4. The proposition made its way to the ballot by way of the Republican-majority state legislature, as a bill make similar proposals was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
