By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizonans will have the final say on whether drug cartels should be classified as terrorist organizations under state law, following the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 2055 by the Arizona Legislature. The measure, championed by House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29), will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot.
The resolution calls for the state of Arizona to formally recognize transnational cartels as terrorist organizations and directs the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use every available tool to combat their operations. If approved by voters, the designation would not carry federal legal weight but would signal Arizona’s position on the issue and potentially influence state-level enforcement priorities.
“These cartels run brutal, organized operations that traffic women and children, flood our streets with fentanyl, and kill without consequence,” said Speaker Montenegro. “Arizona is on the frontlines of a war…By sending it to the ballot, we’re putting the decision where it belongs—with the people.”
Supporters of the measure say it reflects a growing public concern about border-related crime, fentanyl overdoses, and human trafficking. According to statistics cited by the resolution’s backers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 282 individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the southern border from 2021 to 2023—a sharp increase compared to previous years. Meanwhile, fentanyl seizures and related overdose deaths continue to climb.
The proposed ballot measure is part of the House Republican Majority Plan, which emphasizes border security and law enforcement. GOP lawmakers argue that Arizona must act independently to address what they see as federal inaction on border issues.
“House Republicans are taking action to protect Arizona,” Montenegro said. “We trust voters to make their voices heard and stand with us in this fight.”
Proponents insist that the measure would send a strong message and help marshal additional state resources to combat cross-border crime. Voters will weigh in on the measure during the 2026 election. If passed, Arizona would become one of the first states in the nation to define international cartels as terrorist groups under state law.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
