Immigration enforcement arrested two illegal aliens in Mesa over the weekend for alleged violations of human smuggling.
Sebastian Ibarra-Anaya and Jose Ibarra-Herra, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested in Mesa as part of a sting on a human smuggling conspiracy. Ibarra-Anaya and Ibarra-Herra were two of seven illegal aliens arrested in connection with the conspiracy.
The traffickers were traveling through the Tohono O’odham Nation along the U.S./Mexico border to Mesa when they were detained, according to an announcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a web page dedicated to displaying the “worst of the worst” of illegal aliens arrested across the nation. These illegal aliens face deportation proceedings for engaging in serious criminal activity such as drug and weapons offenses, violent crimes including rape and murder, fraud, and misuse or theft of public benefits.
As of this report, DHS has included on their “worst of the worst” list nearly 1,570 illegal aliens that were arrested in Arizona. Nationwide, that total is nearly 46,500.
ICE said Ibarra-Anaya and Ibarra-Herra face federal charges and will be processed for removal.
.@HSI_HQ special agents, including agents from the Arizona Special Response Team, arrested two Mexican citizens in Mesa, Ariz., for alleged human smuggling violations.
Sebastian Ibarra-Anaya and Jose Ibarra-Herra were arrested for human smuggling and now are facing federal… pic.twitter.com/n9t3ta590m
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) November 8, 2026
Ibarra-Anaya and Ibarra-Herra are among the countless illegal aliens who have taken advantage of the 62 miles of open border spanning the Tohono O’odham Nation.
In order to close that gap, the Trump administration began border wall construction in August. The tribe filed a lawsuit over the summer to prevent construction, arguing that the land and water are sacred and belong to them, but it has been unsuccessful so far in obtaining court orders to cease the federal government’s progress.
Last month, a federal judge denied the Tohono O’odham Nation’s request for an injunction to stop wall construction along the section of border that exists in their reservation. The tribal nation’s appeal of that denial is pending.
Following Republican’s heavy losses in the general election last week, President Donald Trump has signaled that he plans to scale back on his promises of mass deportations. Trump stated during an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday that he may have been “too tough” on his immigration policy.
The president signaled that he would work with the incoming Democratic majority in Congress on an immigration deal, though he didn’t indicate what deal he had in mind.
“I think I got an A-plus for closing up the border,” said Trump. “I get very high marks for getting the bad ones out, but I get hurt because we also took people that had good jobs, that — that created one violation or breaking of the law: that was that they came into the country illegally.”
Trump’s statements appeared to conflict with his most recent and prominent personnel change. The president selected Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff last week, who has a hardline view on border policy. Following his selection, a Fox News interview with Miller from over the summer recirculated; in it, Miller said that administration policy should disincentivize “birth tourism” by barring pregnant women from entering the country.
As the president signals a pivot on immigration enforcement ahead of January’s power shift in Congress, the legal battles over other aspects of immigration enforcement continue.
On Monday, the Supreme Court permitted the Trump administration to continue border wall construction in Texas amid a separate challenge over the legality of the project with regard to environmental laws.
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The Goldwater Institute will co-host a sold-out gathering in Phoenix on Monday, November 16. The event will bring together policy leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and other participants to discuss the election results and proposals centered on limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty.
FreeCon Phoenix is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westin Phoenix Downtown. Goldwater, the 1912 Institute, and Freedom Conservatism are hosting the event.
Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick will deliver the keynote address. Bolick previously served as Goldwater’s vice president for litigation and co-founded the Institute for Justice.
1/2 The @GoldwaterInst, the @1912Institute, and other partners will host #FreeCon Phoenix on Monday, November 16 from 8am to 5pm at the Westin Phoenix Downtown. Clint Bolick, justice on the Arizona Supreme Court and co-founder of the Institute for Justice, will deliver the… pic.twitter.com/eqXgwrODlL
Discussions at the event will cover affordability, housing, job creation, state-level education reforms, and economic liberty. Participants will also discuss coalition building and approaches to expanding support for those policies.
“Expect inspiring speakers, spirited discussion, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others committed to advancing freedom in courtrooms, capitols, classrooms, marketplaces, media, and communities,” the event listing states. “From housing affordability and economic opportunity to educational excellence and strong communities, FreeCon Phoenix will offer an invigorating setting to learn, debate, and work toward a freer, more hopeful tomorrow.”
The announcement describes one focus as “building a big tent” while rejecting what organizers characterize as the tribalism of both progressivism and populism.
Scheduled speakers include Goldwater’s Victor Riches, Christina Sandefur, Timothy Sandefur, Matt Beienburg, Jon Riches, and Jenna Bentley.
Other announced participants include Danny Seiden of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Joe Pitts of the 1912 Institute, Jackson Moll of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Jenny Clark of Love Your School, and Scot Mussi, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club.
The Phoenix event was announced before Election Day as a forum to examine the midterm results and discuss policy challenges and opportunities for 2027 and beyond. The October preview also identified regional gatherings in Philadelphia on November 17 and Raleigh on November 18.
Freedom Conservatism’s subsequent event announcement identified four post-election gatherings, including the November 18 Freedom & Progress Conference in Washington, D.C.
Goldwater said the Phoenix discussions are intended to help participants develop initiatives, form coalitions, and identify ways to advance individual rights and reduce barriers to employment and enterprise.
Several states are imposing new restrictions on Arizonans travelling with their pets due to the screwworm outbreak.
The first verified cases of the New World Screwworm in Arizona last month prompted Florida and California to restrict travel for Arizonans traveling with their pets. As of last Friday, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has reported a total of five cases across Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties.
Of the infections detected to date, two were in dogs, two were in horses, and one was in a sheep. The first case was announced on Oct. 28, in Cochise County.
As of Nov. 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 124 confirmed detections of animal cases. 122 were domestic, with 61 active and 61 inactive. Two were wildlife and feral cases, both inactive.
Arizonans traveling to California with their pets must provide proof that those pets aren’t infected with the New World Screwworm by showing an electronic, not paper, certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian that contains a New World Screwworm statement, an entry permit obtained prior to movement off the origin premises, and negative EIA tests for all horses.
The New World Screwworm statement on the electronic certificate of veterinary inspection must read: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of New World Screwworm infestation.” Arizonans must arrive in California within seven days of inspection for their official certificate of veterinary inspection to be considered valid.
Arizonans traveling to Florida with their pets must provide proof that those pets aren’t infected with the New World Screwworm by showing an official certificate of veterinary inspection that confirms the animals are free of infection or have been effectively treated for New World Screwworm.
Arizonans must arrive in Florida within five days of inspection for their official certificate of veterinary inspection to be considered valid.
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays its larvae in the open wounds and other orifices of warm-blooded animals. The larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of their host.
Signs of New World screwworm infestation include visible maggots in wounds or body openings; open, draining, or enlarging wounds; foul-smelling injuries; and animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated, or in distress.
Live animals within an infested zone restriction, which span 12.4 miles, cannot exit without state veterinarian inspection authorization.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture provides regular updates on confirmed cases, infestation zones, and other public notices regarding the New World Screwworm.
Unusual wounds in domesticated animals that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with New World screwworm should be reported immediately to diseasereporting@azda.gov or by calling AZDA at 602-542-4293 during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Signs of New World screwworm in wildlife should be reported immediately, along with GPS coordinates of the animal’s approximate location, to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
Arizona Senate Republicans elected Sen. John Kavanagh (R-LD3) as their next minority leader Monday, choosing the caucus’ leadership team for the 58th Legislature, which begins in January.
The caucus also elected Sen. Tim Dunn (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader and Senator-elect Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) as minority whip. Kavanagh appointed Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1) as deputy assistant minority leader of communications.
“Rebuilding a Republican majority starts with earning it, and that work starts now,” Kavanagh said. “We’re going to spend time listening to Arizonans in their communities and bring what we hear back to the Capitol.”
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arizona Senate Republicans Elect Leadership Team for 58th Legislature
The leadership selections follow an election that put Democrats on track for a 20–10 Senate majority and a 37–23 House majority.
Senate Democrats selected Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18) as their choice for Senate president.
Senate Republicans identified taxes, law enforcement, and Arizona’s long-term water supply as priorities in their leadership announcement. The caucus said it would introduce legislation, coordinate with House Republicans, and pursue bipartisan agreements while opposing tax increases and regulations it considers unnecessary.
“When a family tells us their paycheck isn’t keeping up with their bills, that needs to be on our minds when we vote on taxes and spending,” Kavanagh said. “When a rural community is worried about whether it’ll have enough water to grow, we need to be at the table working on a solution.”
Kavanagh, a Fountain Hills Republican, has served in the Legislature since 2007. He currently serves as Senate majority leader and previously served as Senate president pro tempore, along with chairing appropriations committees in both chambers.” He spent 20 years in law enforcement, retiring as a detective sergeant before teaching criminal justice.
Dunn, a lifelong Yuma resident, farmer, and small business owner, joined the Legislature in 2018. He serves as vice chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Biasiucci will move to the Senate after serving in the Arizona House since 2019. The Lake Havasu City native and small business owner previously served as House majority leader and majority whip.
Finchem chairs the Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee and previously served in the House. His 21-year public-safety career includes work as a firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, and criminal investigator.
The Senate selections follow House Republicans’ leadership election Friday. That caucus elected Rep. Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) as minority leader, Rep. Michael Carbone (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader, and Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) as minority whip.
“We’ll work with Democrats where we agree, and when we disagree, we’ll explain why and put our own plan on the table,” Kavanagh said. “That’s how we’ll serve Arizonans in the minority and earn their trust to lead the Senate again.”
Outgoing Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) will return to the chamber next session as chief of staff for the Republican minority caucus, incoming Minority Leader John Kavanagh confirmed Tuesday.
Kavanagh (R-LD3) told the Yellow Sheet Report that Petersen’s selection follows the planned departures of current Chief of Staff Josh Kredit and Deputy Chief of Staff Fletcher Montzingo. Kavanagh said both would have to accept pay cuts to remain as minority staff.
“We were in a crisis,” Kavanagh told the outlet. “We were in a situation where we didn’t have anybody who had the skillset, the knowledge [and] the personal connections to do the job.”
Petersen confirmed the appointment in a Tuesday text message to Yellow Sheet, saying he appreciated Kavanagh’s confidence and was excited to serve the minority caucus.
The appointment follows Petersen’s unsuccessful campaign for attorney general against Democratic incumbent Kris Mayes.
Petersen did not seek reelection to his legislative seat; his current term ends in January 2027.
Kavanagh told Yellow Sheet that the caucus needed a chief of staff familiar with the legislative process who had relationships with lawmakers in both parties. Former Senate staffer Grant Hanna had already left prior to the 2026 session to become House majority chief of staff.
“We realized that there was somebody hiding right in front of us [for chief of staff] and that was [Warren Petersen],” Kavanagh said. “He’s probably the most powerful person we could have selected.”
Petersen’s salary or an exact start date has not been confirmed.
The staffing changes come as Republicans prepare to enter the minority in both legislative chambers. Democrats secured 20 seats in the 30-member Senate and 37 seats in the 60-member House.
Senate Republicans elected Kavanagh as minority leader Monday. They also selected Sen. Tim Dunn (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader and incoming Sen. Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) as minority whip. Kavanagh appointed Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1) as deputy assistant minority leader of communications.
The caucus identified taxes, law enforcement, and Arizona’s long-term water supply as priorities for the upcoming session. Its announcement said Republicans would introduce their own legislation and pursue bipartisan agreements where they believe cooperation would benefit Arizonans.
Petersen was first elected to the Arizona House in 2012 and subsequently served in both chambers. He became Senate president in 2023 and was reelected to that leadership position in 2025. His Senate biography lists previous legislative roles as House majority leader and chairman of the Senate Commerce, Judiciary, and Rules committees.
Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) highlighted improvements in veterans’ health care access, disability benefits processing, and housing assistance while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening oversight and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In a recent constituent newsletter, Hamadeh, who serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, outlined several developments in federal veterans’ services, including reductions in disability claims backlogs, expanded medical appointment availability, and increased investments in VA health care facilities.
Hamadeh emphasized his commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the medical care, benefits, and assistance they earned through military service, pointing to ongoing efforts to improve federal services and address administrative challenges.
According to figures cited in the newsletter and published by the VA, more than 300,000 additional veterans enrolled in VA health care during 2026 as of October, while 43 new VA health care clinics have opened nationwide since January 2025.
This Week From The Office of Congressman Hamadeh
• Delivering On My Promise To Veterans • Welcome News • At Your Service
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) November 6, 2026
The congressman also highlighted a reduction of more than 70% in the backlog of VA disability claims since January 20, 2025, along with a 46% decrease in average disability claims processing times over approximately the same period.
Medical appointment availability has also expanded.
During Fiscal Year 2025, the VA delivered more than 82 million direct-care appointments, representing a 4.1% increase over the previous fiscal year. Community care appointments approached 60 million, an increase of 12%.
Since January 2025, the department has also made more than 3.4 million appointments available during extended hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Hamadeh pointed to additional investments in VA infrastructure, including nearly $5 billion approved for Fiscal Year 2026 to repair, upgrade, and modernize medical facilities, which he described as the largest non-recurring maintenance investment in the department’s history.
Efforts to address veteran homelessness were also highlighted, with the VA helping 51,936 homeless veterans obtain permanent housing during Fiscal Year 2025, marking the department’s strongest annual performance in seven years.
Despite the reported progress, Hamadeh acknowledged that problems remain within the VA system, particularly regarding eligibility determinations and oversight of medical services provided outside VA facilities.
“One of my continuing priorities is ensuring that veterans have access to quality medical care, whether that treatment is provided at a VA facility or through a qualified community provider,” Congressman Hamadeh wrote.
In July, Hamadeh and Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) called on VA Secretary Doug Collins to address findings from a June VA Office of Inspector General audit examining the Veterans Community Care Program.
The program allows eligible veterans to receive medical treatment from community providers when certain conditions are met, including limited access to VA facilities, extended appointment wait times, or the need for specialized services.
According to the audit, approximately 25% of the 1.4 million veterans referred for community care during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 did not meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Investigators also found that approximately 38% of 4.8 million veterans who received direct VA care lacked documentation showing that their eligibility for community care had been assessed.
Additionally, 58% of approximately 1.8 million veterans who were eligible for community care but received direct VA treatment lacked documentation indicating they had declined the community care option.
The Inspector General estimated that inaccurate eligibility determinations resulted in approximately $440 million in potentially avoidable expenditures during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, an amount that could reach approximately $1.7 billion annually if the identified problems continued.
Hamadeh and Gosar urged VA leadership to implement the Inspector General’s recommendations, strengthen oversight procedures, improve documentation, and address administrative failures affecting veterans’ access to medical care.
Hamadeh also emphasized the importance of constituent services within his congressional office, noting that experienced caseworkers have been assigned to assist veterans and their families with benefit disputes, federal paperwork, and other challenges involving the VA.
The congressman said he intends to continue working with colleagues across party lines to improve veterans’ services while holding the department accountable for its performance.
“Our veterans fulfilled their duty to America. It is our responsibility to fulfill America’s duty to them,” Hamadeh wrote. “That was my promise when I ran for Congress, and it remains one of my highest priorities today.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
