In a move to address what she calls an "unmitigated humanitarian crisis," Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona (D-Ariz.) has signed an executive order deploying National Guard troops to the state's southern border. The order comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the closure of the Lukeville, Ariz., port of entry, leading to concerns about Arizona's safety and commerce.

Governor Hobbs expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the Biden administration, stating, "Despite continued requests for assistance, the Biden administration has refused to deliver desperately needed resources to Arizona's border." In a letter to President Joe Biden, she suggested reassigning the 243 National Guard members stationed in the Tuscon Sector to the Lukeville port of entry. However, since her requests went unanswered, Governor Hobbs took matters into her own hands and reassigned the National Guard troops herself.

This executive order comes at a time when border policy debates are heating up in Congress. Senate Democrats are divided over potential deals that could involve significant reforms to asylum policies. Concerns have been raised regarding leaks suggesting that the Biden administration may support new authorities to expel migrants without asylum screenings, as well as expand their detention and deportation. Some Senate Democrats fear being caught off guard, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer possibly bringing a border security deal to the floor next week.

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a respected voice on immigration issues, took to social media to express his disagreement. He warned that adopting such "Trumpian policies" would not address the challenges at the border, but rather exacerbate them.

As the debates continue at the national level, Governor Hobbs's executive order sends a clear message that Arizona will take action where the federal government falls short. With National Guard troops on their way to the southern border, the state aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and safeguard Arizona's safety and commerce.

The deployment is expected to take effect shortly as Arizona takes a proactive approach to secure its border while the discussions in Congress intensify.