Phoenix, AZ—February 25, 2025
Governor Katie Hobbs has issued a new executive order establishing Operation Desert Guardian, a joint task force (JTF) aimed at identifying, deterring, and dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) operating in Arizona. The order comes after the Secretary of State designated cartels Foreign Terrorist Organizations to combat drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities along the southern border.
Governor Hobbs highlighted Arizona’s role in the fight against TCOs, citing over $100 million in state investments since 2023 to support law enforcement at all levels. The new task force will coordinate efforts between state agencies, county sheriffs, local law enforcement, and federal partners.
“Arizona’s communities play a critical role in public safety, trade, and economic development, and they deserve the full support of state, local, and federal entities in combating organized crime,” Hobbs stated in the executive order.
Operation Desert Guardian expands on previous initiatives such as:
Operation SECURE (2023): Deployed members of the Arizona National Guard to the southern border to assist with fentanyl interdiction and human smuggling enforcement at ports of entry
SAFE Initiative (2024): Mobilized Task Force SAFE to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Ports of Entry, leading to the seizure of over 19.5 million fentanyl pills, 6,598 pounds of other illicit drugs, and 237 weapons, with an estimated street value of nearly $49 million as of February 16, 2025.
Ashley Dunn Act (HB 2245, 2024): Established minimum sentences for high-volume fentanyl traffickers.
Under the executive order, the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS), Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) will form a Joint Task Force (JTF) to combat TCOs, with additional state agencies joining as needed. The JTF will coordinate intelligence and enforcement efforts with county sheriffs, local police, and federal agencies. It will report on progress and success metrics related to interdiction, enforcement and education by August 31, 2025.
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