Coconino News

Arizona State Senators Janae Shamp and David Gowan (R-Ariz.) have unveiled the "Arizona Border Invasion Act." This proposed legislation introduces three border-related offenses that would empower law enforcement to apprehend violators.

State Senator Shamp stated, "Joe Biden and his administration have made it unequivocally clear that they have abandoned their duties to enforce immigration policy at the federal level." She continued, "As a result, our communities and our citizens are suffering the dire consequences of the lawlessness associated with tens of thousands of people, many of whom are criminals, illegally entering our state each month with no repercussions." In conclusion, Shamp urged her colleagues to back this initiative saying, "It is our duty as state legislators to ensure the safety of our citizens and our law enforcement, which is why I'm calling on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation."

According to the details provided, the legislation stipulates that local, county, and state-level law enforcement officers in Arizona would be authorized to arrest any individual who is not a U.S. citizen if they have entered the state unlawfully or have been previously denied entry or removed from the country. The same applies if they have been ordered to leave but are not complying.

In addition to this bill, Gowan has proposed another piece of legislation aimed at imposing stricter penalties for individuals who put others' lives at risk by attempting to evade law enforcement in high-speed chases or while transporting a child under 15 years old during such pursuits.

Shamp represents Legislative District 29 in Arizona. She was elected to the state senate in 2023 after earning her Bachelor’s degrees in Molecular Biosciences & Biotechnology from Arizona State University and Nursing from Grand Canyon University. As a Registered Nurse in Arizona, she resides in Surprise with her husband.