PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Governor Katie Hobbs has taken decisive action in response to the ongoing migrant surge near the Lukeville Port of Entry, which has remained closed for nearly a week. Governor Hobbs is set to visit Lukeville and the southern border on Saturday, where she plans to further address the situation.

In a statement issued after an event on Friday, Governor Hobbs revealed that her administration has been in contact with Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño of Sonora. The governor is actively urging federal authorities to take more action regarding the influx of migrants. As a result, Governor Hobbs announced the launch of Operation SECURE, an initiative aimed at enhancing border security. This operation will establish a dedicated border security office within the state Department of Homeland Security.

Acknowledging the impact of closing the Lukeville Port of Entry, Governor Hobbs stated, "The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry has led to an unmitigated crisis in the area and put Arizona's safety and commerce at risk." She emphasized the vital importance of the state's ports of entry for security and trade. Insufficient resources have hindered their ability to manage the influx of migrants seeking entry at Lukeville.

To bolster border security, Operation SECURE will allocate up to $5 million to support the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement at the border. Additionally, the governor's office has billed the federal government $512 million for reimbursement of ongoing border operations. Moving forward, the state plans to regularly seek reimbursement from the federal government.

Leaders in Arizona are also urging President Biden to mobilize 243 National Guardsmen already present in the Tucson sector to assist in reopening the Lukeville border crossing. The closure of this remote crossing has had significant impacts, as multiple individuals rely on it for travel between Arizona and Puerto Peñasco, a popular resort area on the Sea of Cortez. Furthermore, Americans frequently utilize the crossing to visit the border community of Sonoyta for various purposes, including dining, shopping, and accessing affordable healthcare.

According to the U.S. Transportation Department, an average of 3,140 individuals in vehicles and 184 pedestrians entered the U.S. daily at the Lukeville Port of Entry in October. These figures highlight the significance of this crossing for both tourism and commerce.

Governor Hobbs emphasized that while Operation SECURE is a step towards curbing the crisis, Arizona is reaching its breaking point and urgently requires federal intervention. The governor urged the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities and restore security and order to the border.

As the situation continues to unfold, Governor Hobbs remains determined to address the migrant surge and ensure the safety and well-being of Arizona's communities.