by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 16, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson Sector conducted two separate rescue operations over the weekend, saving the lives of two U.S. citizens who became stranded in remote desert terrain in southern Arizona.
The rescues, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, highlight the role of Border Patrol agents not only in enforcing immigration laws, but also in providing critical life-saving assistance in dangerous and often isolated parts of the state.
On Saturday, agents from the Border Patrol’s elite Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team were called to assist the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office after a hiker was reported injured and stranded near the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix.
The hiker, who reported a possible broken ankle and was unable to walk, was located by air aboard Pinal County’s rescue helicopter, Pinal Air 1. Given the rugged mountainside terrain, a BORSTAR agent was lowered by hoist to reach and stabilize the hiker, who was then airlifted to a safe area for further medical evaluation.
The following day, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sonoita Station responded to a call from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office involving a lost hiker on the Arizona Trail near Pauline Ridge. The hiker, who had been missing for two days, was spotted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations helicopter. However, thick vegetation and challenging terrain made a helicopter landing impossible.
Instead, ground-based agents hiked into the remote area, reached the hiker, administered immediate medical care, and transported him to the Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department for further treatment.
“These rescues are a testament to [our agents’] training, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. “Our agents and teams continuously demonstrate their dedication to saving people’s lives.”
While U.S. Border Patrol is primarily known for its immigration enforcement mission, especially in southern border states like Arizona, its agents—particularly those assigned to specialized units like BORSTAR—frequently respond to emergencies involving lost, injured, or distressed individuals in remote regions.
Established in the late 1990s, BORSTAR was created in response to a rising number of migrant deaths in the desert but has since expanded its mission to include public safety rescues involving U.S. citizens and migrants alike. Arizona’s vast and often unforgiving terrain, particularly during extreme weather, can pose life-threatening risks to hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and undocumented migrants attempting to cross the desert.
Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector conduct many rescues each year, often working in partnership with local law enforcement and fire departments to locate and evacuate individuals from areas where traditional emergency services may be unable to reach quickly.
CBP and Border Patrol officials continue to encourage outdoor recreationists to be prepared and exercise caution when entering remote areas of the Arizona desert. Basic recommendations include carrying sufficient water, a charged cell phone or GPS device, and informing others of planned travel routes and return times.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 15, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem (R-LD1) has announced the formation of a Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders. The committee is aimed at evaluating the state’s family court system and potential reforms. The first hearing took place on Monday, April 14.
The committee, which will include both lawmakers and subject matter experts, is inviting parents and advocates to share personal stories and concerns about their experiences with family court proceedings. According to Finchem, the hearings were prompted by a growing number of complaints from families alleging that court-ordered interventions and custody decisions are inconsistent or harmful.
“I am urging those who have been impacted by the family court system to come to the Senate and make their voices heard,” said Chairman Finchem. “We want to evaluate potential legislative solutions to safeguard families and hold government and non-government agencies accountable for potentially unreasonable practices.”
The ad hoc committee will focus on a range of issues related to family court, including but not limited to custody arrangements and their long-term impact on children; the use and oversight of court-ordered therapeutic interventions; transparency and accountability of family court judges and court-appointed professionals; and the influence of external agencies and third-party service providers in custody and visitation decisions.
Finchem’s office confirmed that this will be the first in a series of five public hearings intended to gather testimony and explore whether legislative reforms are needed.
Arizona’s family court system, like those in many other states, has faced scrutiny in recent years over concerns ranging from judicial discretion in custody rulings to allegations of bias and lack of oversight for court-appointed evaluators. Critics have raised questions about the role of court-ordered therapists, parenting coordinators, and other third-party providers—especially when their involvement results in costly or extended legal battles.
Some people have also suggested that existing processes fail to properly address issues of domestic abuse, parental alienation, and financial inequities. While many of these claims are complex and deeply personal, they have prompted a broader discussion about balancing judicial discretion with accountability and protecting the well-being of children caught in contentious disputes.
Additional hearings are expected to be scheduled over the coming months as the committee works to develop findings and potential legislative recommendations.
Arizona joins a number of states nationwide that are reconsidering how family courts operate in light of evolving societal and legal expectations. Whether this effort leads to concrete policy change remains to be seen, but it represents a significant moment of public engagement with the legal system’s handling of family matters.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 15, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Last week, Arizona lawmakers passed SB 1164, also known as the “AZ ICE Act.” The bill, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), seeks to strengthen cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. It now awaits consideration by Governor Katie Hobbs.
The legislation, which passed the Arizona House along party lines with full Republican support, prohibits state and local government entities from enacting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It also establishes a process for enforcing compliance: if a city or county is suspected of violating the law, a complaint may be filed with the Arizona Attorney General, triggering an investigation under Arizona Revised Statutes §41-194.01—commonly referred to as a “1487 investigation.” Jurisdictions found in violation could have state-shared revenues withheld until they comply.
“I applaud my colleagues… for supporting this vital action to help safeguard our communities from dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” said Petersen. “It’s time for the Governor to put politics aside… and protect innocent men, women, and children.”
The AZ ICE Act prohibits state and local government agencies from blocking cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; authorizes the Arizona Attorney General to investigate and penalize non-compliant jurisdictions; requires county sheriffs and the Arizona Department of Corrections to honor immigration detainer requests; and it allows law enforcement agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government, deputizing local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
The AZ ICE Act mirrors efforts in other states to support federal immigration enforcement amid ongoing national debates about border security and states’ roles in immigration policy. Proponents argue such measures are necessary to prevent the release of undocumented immigrants with criminal records and to ensure local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The bill now heads to Governor Hobbs’ desk. If signed, the AZ ICE Act would take effect later this year. As the immigration debate continues, Arizona remains a key player in shaping the conversation on border policy, enforcement, and public safety.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 12, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has joined a coalition of states and energy companies in filing a federal lawsuit aimed at reducing regulatory barriers to deploying small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), a next-generation nuclear energy technology touted for its safety, efficiency, and potential role in transitioning to clean energy.
Filed in a U.S. District Court late Monday, the lawsuit challenges a longstanding Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rule that subjects SMRs to the same licensing standards as large-scale nuclear reactors. Arizona joins Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and three nuclear energy firms in asking the court to set aside the rule.
“Arizona’s utility companies want to pursue SMRs, but their hands are tied with red tape,” Petersen said in a statement. “It could take decades and an unreasonable amount of money to establish plants under the current rule.”
The plaintiffs argue that the NRC’s approach contradicts the original intent of Congress, which in the 1950s envisioned a more flexible regulatory framework for smaller reactors. They contend the uniform standards are outdated and unnecessarily hinder the adoption of SMRs, which can be factory-built and installed on-site, even in rural areas.
Small modular reactors are advanced nuclear energy systems that produce significantly less power than traditional reactors—typically under 300 megawatts—but offer key advantages. They can be constructed more quickly, pose fewer safety risks, and emit nearly zero greenhouse gases. Because of their modular design, SMRs can be scaled to meet specific energy demands and are considered ideal for hard-to-reach communities or states looking to diversify their energy portfolios.
Proponents say SMRs could be a critical tool in meeting emissions targets while maintaining grid reliability and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The push to modernize nuclear regulation has gained traction as several states and energy companies look to expand nuclear energy options. Advocates of the lawsuit argue that reforming the licensing process could unlock billions in clean energy investment and accelerate the path toward energy independence.
Arizona’s involvement in the case reflects a broader interest among state leaders in expanding energy choices amid rising demand. Petersen’s office noted that the lawsuit aligns with broader national efforts to reduce reliance on foreign energy. For now, Arizona joins a growing list of states pushing for a regulatory framework they say better reflects technological innovation and evolving energy needs.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 12, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A bill designed to direct more tax revenue toward Arizona’s K-12 classrooms has been vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers who say the measure would have strengthened public education funding.
SB 1050, sponsored by Senator Vince Leach (R-LD17), sought to amend the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) program by prohibiting the abatement of school district-designated tax revenues. Under current law, cities and towns can lease government-owned property to private developers with reduced tax obligations, an incentive intended to promote commercial development.
The bill would have excluded school-related tax revenues from such incentives, allowing those funds to flow directly to local school districts instead of being waived under development agreements.
“This was a missed opportunity by the Governor,” said Leach. “She says she supports education funding, but her veto suggests otherwise.”
In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs explained that SB 1050 could “stunt Arizona’s economic development” by weakening a tool used by local governments to attract private investment. The GPLET program, though controversial, has been credited with revitalizing parts of urban Arizona by lowering upfront development costs in exchange for long-term gains.
Arizona schools continue to face funding pressures despite recent increases to the state’s education budget. Republican lawmakers have often pushed for reallocating existing tax revenues, while Democrats have generally sought new funding sources or changes to the state’s tax structure.
SB 1050 passed both legislative chambers before being vetoed, signaling at least some bipartisan concern about the balance between development incentives and education funding.
Senator Leach and other supporters of the bill may pursue similar legislation in future sessions or attempt a veto override, although success would require significant bipartisan support. Meanwhile, the broader debate over how to equitably fund Arizona’s public schools is likely to continue.
“This is about priorities,” Leach said. “We should be making sure our tax dollars are going to classrooms, not corporate subsidies.”
The Governor’s office has not indicated whether alternative proposals to increase school funding through tax reforms are in the works.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
