Federal officials are planning new Border Patrol station projects in Three Points, Casa Grande, and Sonoita-Elgin. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is also preparing to build checkpoints in southern and southwestern Arizona using funding from the 2025 federal reconciliation law.
The three station proposals would accommodate a combined 1,000 agents, with each estimated to cost more than $100 million. CBP told the outlet the projects remain in early planning.
CBP said the projects would be funded through the 2025 reconciliation law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 90002(a)(4) appropriated $5 billion nationally for expenses related to leasing, acquiring, constructing, designing, or improving CBP facilities and checkpoints.
At Three Points, a Sept. 11 forecast called for designing and building a station sized for 500 agents. The project was estimated to cost more than $100 million, with Sept. 25 listed as the projected solicitation date.
That forecast projected a contract award between October and December 2026, the first quarter of federal fiscal year 2027, and listed Sept. 1, 2029, as the anticipated contract completion date.
In an Aug. 21 letter to Pima County, CBP described a proposed site of approximately 87 acres about four miles east of the existing Three Points station and requested input for an environmental assessment.
In the letter, CBP specialist John Petrilla wrote, “The purpose of the new BPS is to accommodate the addition of new agents and personnel intended to enhance border security within the U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Area of Responsibility, with an ultimate objective of increasing the probability of apprehension of those that have entered into the U.S. illegally.”
The Casa Grande forecast describes a station for 300 agents and personnel, along with support space and other infrastructure. Its estimated cost also exceeds $100 million, with the same anticipated award quarter and September 2029 completion date. The listing identifies Casa Grande as the project location without specifying a street address.
The Sonoita-Elgin proposal would accommodate 200 agents and also exceed $100 million. The projected capacities describe the size of the facilities, rather than a confirmed increase of 1,000 agents assigned to Arizona.
CBP’s letter also identifies an alternative site along State Routes 82 and 83. The preferred Sonoita-area alternative involves an undeveloped 40-acre parcel approximately four miles southeast of the Sonoita crossroads. County officials said the location appeared to be near Elgin Elementary School.
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Fanning said that the county had requested details about site selection and the proposal’s economic, social, and environmental effects. CBP said it would seek community input as it evaluates potential locations.
CBP has not clarified whether the proposed facility would supplement or replace the existing station.
Separate federal forecasts outline two checkpoint projects, each estimated at $50 million to $100 million. The Nogales I-19 checkpoint proposal calls for a new checkpoint and supporting facilities at a preferred location adjacent to the existing checkpoint in Amado. The Wellton I-8 checkpoint proposal describes a new checkpoint and supporting facilities just west of the Dateland offramp in Yuma County. Both forecasts list anticipated contract completion on Sept. 30, 2029.
CBP said that the broader station and checkpoint investments are intended to replace aging facilities, strengthen operations, and support agents confronting human and drug smuggling. In a statement, the agency noted, “As potential locations are evaluated, CBP will seek input from local communities before projects move forward.”
Democratic congressional nominee Amish Shah did not participate in a second candidate appearance in less than a month, leaving Republican nominee Jay Feely to address voters at AMAC Action’s September 22 forum. The host said Shah did not respond to the AMAC invitation. His absence followed his decision to decline an August 26 Arizona PBS appearance.
“Please note that Democrat candidate Amish Shah was invited to participate but did not respond to our request,” the host said in the forum introduction, before introducing Feely.
“Arizonans deserve to hear from the candidates running to represent them. I’m disappointed that my opponent continues to hide from the public. But when you align yourself with Democratic Socialists, dodging questions is easier than answering for your policies,” Feely wrote.
Arizonans deserve to hear from the candidates running to represent them.
I’m disappointed that my opponent continues to hide from the public.
But when you align yourself with Democratic Socialists, dodging questions is easier than answering for your policies. https://t.co/oDv6gWLu8n
AMAC Action’s announcement listed both First Congressional District candidates as invitees to the virtual event. The organization described the forum as a nonpartisan educational program offering participating candidates equal opportunities to discuss their priorities and answer questions.
The appearance followed Arizona PBS’ August 26 “Candidates in Conversation” program, during which Feely answered questions without Shah participating. Arizona PBS confirmed that Shah declined its invitation.
At the AMAC forum, Feely discussed immigration enforcement, economic policy, and congressional stock trading.
“This election comes down to two choices. On one side you have myself who believes in free market principles, that believes in capitalism…on the other side, the Democrat party has embraced this big government, socialist belief,” Feely said.
.@JayFeely: “This election comes down to two choices. On one side you have myself who believes in free market principles, that believes in capitalism…on the other side, the Democrat party has embraced this big government, socialist belief.” pic.twitter.com/SEVjoqxfHg
“I believe the border should be completely secure, that no one should come across those borders illegally…If you come into this country illegally, you should not participate in any of our welfare programs.”
Feely also advocated for people who entered illegally to leave the country and pursue legal entry. And he endorsed restrictions on lawmakers’ financial activities.
“We should have a congressional ban on stock trading,” he said.
.@JayFeely calls to ban insider trading – something which 198 Democrats voted against:
“We should have a congressional ban on stock trading. Like Jeff, you and I shouldn't get arrested for the very things that if I'm in office I can do legally. That's not right.” pic.twitter.com/YFPioxXJ34
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said Feely also addressed lowering costs for seniors, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and combating fraud. The committee criticized Shah’s absence and his health care positions.
“For seniors wanting answers about his socialist healthcare record, socialist Amish Shah was nowhere to be found. Socialist Shah would rather hide than defend the Bernie Sanders-AOC policies he praised,” NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen said.
Republican National Committee spokesman Nick Poche also criticized Shah in a statement provided to AZ Free News.
“Shah won’t debate because the second he opens his mouth, everyone in Arizona will know he’s an extremely far-left socialist who supports transgender surgeries for minors, soft-on-crime policies, and opening the border,” Poche said.
The Republican statements attributed Shah’s absence to his policy positions. The AMAC host’s introduction said Shah had not responded to the invitation but provided no explanation for his nonparticipation.
Health care has been a recurring subject in Republican criticism of Shah. Shah spoke in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and a universal, single-payer Medicare for All system during an April 2019 Arizona for Bernie town hall.
Shah’s current campaign platform describes him as a supporter of universal health care and calls for expanding coverage, protecting Medicare, reducing premiums, and lowering prescription drug prices. His public safety platform calls for fully funding police and stopping fentanyl trafficking across the border.
Both candidates are listed for a separate First Congressional District debate scheduled for October 7 at 6 p.m. That event is part of the debate series organized by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and the Arizona Media Association.
Feely, a former NFL kicker and broadcaster, and Shah, an emergency physician and former state lawmaker, are competing for the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-01). The district includes northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley.
A national survey of Democratic voters found that 59% would react positively to a hypothetical military takeover removing President Donald Trump from power, while 31% would react positively to news of his assassination, according to published results from the Center for Strategic Politics.
The survey, commissioned by Liberal Currents, examined Democratic voters’ presidential preferences, policy positions, and reactions to five hypothetical scenarios involving Trump leaving office. The publication released its analysis Sept. 21.
The military takeover scenario described military leaders removing Trump and assuming control of the United States under a stated rationale of safeguarding the Constitution. Respondents were asked how they would feel upon seeing such a news headline.
The accompanying graphic showed 43% responding very positively and 16% somewhat positively. Another 13% were neutral, while 10% responded somewhat negatively and 18% very negatively.
We polled five routes for Trump to leave office before the end of his term. A plurality of Dems support four of them, including a military coup and death by natural causes. The only one underwater, an assassination, is still supported by 29%. pic.twitter.com/C3qb2H0R8j
For the assassination scenario, the published crosstabs reported 23% very positive and 8% somewhat positive responses. Negative reactions totaled 43%, with 25% neutral. The hypothetical headline described Trump being assassinated while speaking at a rally.
The center’s social media caption cited 29%, while its published crosstabs reported 31%.
Positive reactions also totaled 56% for Trump dying in his sleep, 86% for impeachment and removal, and 84% for the scenario invoking the 25th Amendment.
The questions measured respondents’ anticipated emotional reactions to hypothetical headlines. They did not directly ask whether respondents would participate in or authorize violence.
The same survey also found majority support for a future Democratic administration pursuing criminal prosecutions of Trump administration officials, with one question extending to officials who served under former President Joe Biden.
Criminal prosecutions of Trump officials are generally favored by Dems, with clear majorities indicating support in all cases. Voters also support prosecution of officials from both the Trump and Biden admins over US support for Israel's genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/OF6tRVasF8
Seventy-seven percent favored pursuing prosecutions of Trump administration members over actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. A separate question naming Stephen Miller drew support from 73%.
On military actions, 72% favored prosecuting administration members over lethal strikes on boats in South America, while 66% favored prosecutions over actions taken during the war in Iran.
Another 69% favored prosecuting Pete Hegseth in response to a question that described him as directing the military “to violate national and international law.” That characterization appeared in the question itself.
The question encompassing both administrations drew 57% support for pursuing prosecutions over actions related to what the questionnaire called “Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” Twenty-two percent opposed pursuing those prosecutions, and 22% were unsure.
Although the graphic’s headline described Democrats as wanting officials jailed, the questions asked whether the next Democratic administration should pursue criminal prosecution. They did not ask respondents to determine guilt or select a punishment.
In his analysis accompanying the poll, Liberal Currents writer Chance Phillips noted that assassination was the only one of the five scenarios in which negative reactions exceeded positive reactions.
“Thankfully, on net Democrats are not pro political violence,” Phillips wrote, referring to the assassination responses.
That conclusion did not account for the majority’s positive response to a military seizure of government. The scenario explicitly described military leaders removing Trump from power and assuming control of the United States, with 59% responding positively and 28% negatively.
The Center for Strategic Politics describes itself as part of the progressive community and says its work is funded through grassroots contributions.
The English-language survey included 683 Democratic voters nationwide, contacted Sept. 3 and Sept. 8–10 through SMS-to-web and online panels. Researchers weighted responses by age, ethnicity, and gender and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.75 percentage points.
Democratic state Rep. Lydia Hernandez (D-LD24) endorsed Republican Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) for attorney general Friday, backing him over incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Petersen’s campaign announced the endorsement on X, presenting it as evidence of support for his candidacy across party lines.
“I’m a legislator and Democrat, and I’m supporting Warren Petersen for Attorney General,” said Hernandez. “The Attorney General must keep our families safe, protect our students, and stand up for our schools — and Warren Petersen is the only candidate for the job.”
“As a lifelong Democrat and public school advocate, I’m voting for the only candidate that can protect our community,” Hernandez added.
Hernandez’s public education work includes service on the Cartwright School District Governing Board, where she has served since 2003.
Hernandez is set to leave the Legislature in January after finishing third in July’s four-candidate Democratic primary for the two House seats in LD24. The Legislative District 24 Democratic Party had previously censured her, citing her votes with Republicans and earlier endorsements of Republican candidates, including former Gov. Doug Ducey and former Secretary of State Michele Reagan. Hernandez’s endorsement of Petersen follows that history of crossing party lines.
Hernandez also sponsored HB 4109, legislation known as “Michael’s Law.” The measure would have required school districts to adopt public safety policies addressing life-threatening violence, threats involving weapons, parental notification, and contact with law enforcement.
HB 4109 passed the Arizona House in April but was held in the Senate.
Petersen said his working relationship with Hernandez showed that officeholders from opposing parties can cooperate on issues affecting their constituents.
“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I’ve been privileged to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle,” Petersen said. “Lydia Hernandez and I may be from different parties, but we know how to work together in the best interest of the people we represent.”
“That kind of cooperation is often missing from our political discourse today,” he continued. “As Attorney General, I will bring that same approach to the office to uphold our laws and protect Arizonans, not put political allies above the rule of law.”
Petersen thanked Hernandez for her support and said he looked forward to working with her on school and community safety.
The Petersen campaign said Hernandez joins a coalition of supporters that includes law enforcement officials, business representatives, rural leaders, and community advocates.
Arizona’s general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 5, and early voting begins Oct. 7.
The U.S. House approved legislation Tuesday that would require automakers to provide access to AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles sold in the United States.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), passed Sept. 15 by voice vote under suspension of the rules. The procedure produced no recorded tally identifying how individual House members voted.
Arizona Reps. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) are among the bill’s cosponsors. The congressional record also lists the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07), who died on March 13, 2025, as a cosponsor.
Crane called the voice vote unanimous in a post on X.
“Last night, the House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in a unanimous vote,” Crane wrote. “This legislation protects a vital source Arizonans rely on for emergency information, weather updates, and news. Proud to support this measure.”
Last night, the House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in a unanimous vote.
This legislation protects a vital source Arizonans rely on for emergency information, weather updates, and news.
Under the House-approved text, the Department of Transportation would have one year after enactment to issue a rule requiring new passenger vehicles to include equipment capable of receiving and playing broadcasts from analog or qualifying digital AM stations.
The requirement would cover vehicles manufactured domestically for sale in the United States, imported into the country, or shipped through interstate commerce. The AM function would have to be installed as standard equipment, accessible to drivers, and provided without an additional fee or surcharge.
The legislation defines passenger vehicles as those designed primarily to carry a driver and no more than 12 passengers. Motorcycles are excluded.
The Transportation Department would generally have up to two years after issuing the regulation to make it effective. Manufacturers that produced no more than 40,000 passenger vehicles for the U.S. market in 2022 would receive at least four years to comply.
During the period before the regulation takes effect, manufacturers selling vehicles without AM reception would be required to provide clear labeling notifying buyers. They also could not charge buyers an additional fee to access AM programming.
Supporters have cited AM radio’s role in delivering emergency information when power, cellular networks, or internet services are unavailable. House Speaker Mike Johnson said local communities depend on the technology during natural disasters.
“When disaster strikes—especially in hurricane and tornado-prone states like Louisiana—local communities rely on AM radio to deliver accurate, up-to-date information and critical safety alerts,” Johnson said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Public Warning System consists of broadcast stations equipped with backup communications equipment and generators intended to keep them operating during and after disasters. FEMA says the system can directly reach more than 90 percent of the country’s population. The agency lists KDRI 830 AM in Tucson as Arizona’s Primary Entry Point station.
The bill would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study AM radio’s role in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and compare its resilience, accessibility, and effectiveness with other emergency communications technologies. The Transportation Department would also be required to examine possible effects on vehicle safety and automated-driving systems before issuing its regulation.
The Transportation Department, in coordination with FEMA and the FCC, would also be required to report to Congress at least once every five years on whether AM radio remains useful for emergency alerts and whether alternative communications systems could provide comparable coverage.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that implementing the legislation would cost the Transportation Department and GAO approximately $1 million from 2026 through 2031. The CBO said the requirement would principally affect manufacturers of electric vehicles that have removed AM equipment or announced plans to do so.
The CBO also estimated that manufacturers would need to update equipment in approximately 2 million to 2.5 million vehicles annually. The agency projected that the private sector mandate would cost several million dollars per year, remaining below the $214 million threshold used to evaluate private sector mandates in 2026.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade association representing major automakers, has opposed the mandate, citing interference between AM signals and electric vehicle propulsion systems. The organization cited a Center for Automotive Research estimate placing the potential industry cost at $3.8 billion over seven years.
The House legislation now moves to the Senate, where Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ed Markey and Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a companion measure, S. 315. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved that bill in February 2025, and it was placed on the Senate legislative calendar in April.
When severe weather strikes and the power goes out, Texans need communications they can count on.
AM radio remains a critical lifeline for emergency alerts, local news, weather updates, and other vital information.
The Senate bill currently has 60 cosponsors—37 Republicans, 21 Democrats, and two independents. Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego are not listed among its cosponsors. The Senate has not held a floor vote on either the companion legislation or the House-approved bill.
