by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 26, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
The U.S. government obtained a guilty plea in its prosecution over a case of fentanyl possession across the southern border.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced that Nathan Hernandez, a 20-year-old from Yuma, had “pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” The Office revealed that Hernandez would be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi, who was appointed by President Donald J. Trump, on March 25, 2024. This conviction, per the government’s information, “carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.”
According to the press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, “Hernandez admitted that on November 3, 2023, he entered the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry in San Luis, Arizona, with 115.04 pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a non-factory compartment of his 2020 Dodge Ram.” The young man also confessed that “he possessed the fentanyl with the intent to deliver it to another person.”
Data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 2021 showed that 86.3 percent of fentanyl drug trafficking convictions were U.S. citizens, while 8.9 percent of convictions were illegal immigrants and 4.3% for legal non-citizens. The vast majority of fentanyl seizures occur at ports of entry or vehicle check points – 91 percent. However, with the overwhelming number of ‘gotaways’ and the strategic abilities of cartels and smugglers to evade detection with their loads, the amount of illicit drugs escaping detection wouldn’t likely be known to government officials.
In 2022, The Washington Post published an article about the proliferation of fentanyl from Mexico to the United States, citing estimations from unnamed federal drug agents that “they are seizing 5 to 10 percent of the drugs coming from Mexico – if that much.” The article also stated that “agents say it has been nearly impossible to stop fentanyl trafficking” at the border.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 26, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona sheriffs are standing with the State of Israel and members of the Jewish community in the United States.
Last week, leaders from the Arizona Sheriff’s Association sent an open letter to communicate their support for members of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.
The letter, signed by Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes and Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse, stated that they “stand against the recent spate of antisemitic criminal acts,” adding their commitment “to defend the places of worship Jews frequent and investigate any threats against members of the Jewish community.”
In their letter, Rhodes and Clouse wrote that they sit in daily horror due to the “senseless violence of the terrorist organization Hamas on the citizens of Israel – Jews and non-Jews alike.” They asserted that “the war in Israel and Gaza has given rise to crimes targeting Jews across the United States,” and declared that “antisemitic attacks won’t be tolerated here in Arizona.”
The sheriffs also said that “Israel’s right to defend itself isn’t up for debate.” They expressed hope that the world would “see a safer Middle East where Israel and its neighbors live in peace and prosperity” after the conclusion of the ongoing war.
As they closed their letter, the two Arizona officials encouraged “all law enforcement across the country” to “rise to the moment to support Jewish communities targeted by people looking to commit evil acts based on religious hatred.”
Antisemitism has seen an increase in the United States – even before the noticeable crescendo of actions and rhetoric after the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. According to a report from the Tel Aviv University’s Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and the Anti-Defamation League, there was “a sharp rise in the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States and other countries” in 2022. The United States was credited with 3,697 of these incidents, compared to 2,717 in 2021 – over a thirty-five percent increase year-over-year.
However, since the October 7th massacre, the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States has grown exponentially. The Anti-Defamation League “recorded a total of 2,031 antisemitic incidents between October 7 and December 7, up from 465 incidents during the same period in 2022, representing a 337-percent increase year-over-year.”
Earlier this month, the Prescott City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that, in part, “called upon Prescott law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest at such times.” This action followed an earlier resolution from the Arizona State Legislature’s Republican leaders, who “called on Arizona’s officials in the Executive branch to hold accountable any individuals who engage in any acts of terrorism supporting Hamas,” prohibited by state laws.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 23, 2023 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Christmas cheer was shared in Glendale with over 5,000 children and their families last weekend, as part of an annual event to give gifts to those in need.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and Councilman Ian Hugh helped host the “Toy Joy” event, arranged by the nonprofits Alpha Nation and their partner AZ Goods at the Glendale Civic Center. The event took place over the course of four hours last Sunday.
Weiers expressed gratitude for the two organizations’ efforts in his weekly newsletter.
“The volunteers from Alpha Nation are truly remarkable. The motto of Glendale is ‘improving the lives of the people we serve every day,’” said Weiers. “The members of Alpha Nation and their partner organization, AZ Goods, embodied that principle.”
Goodwill was abundant this year: children were able to choose from tens of thousands of toys.
Among the Christmas toys were hundreds of bikes, board games, dolls, and the ever-popular Baby Yoda toy. In addition to the gifts, children were entertained with festivities like face painting and games.
The event almost didn’t happen this year; it was up to Glendale leadership to help save Christmas. The previous location used for the festivities was unavailable. The city stepped up by securing a promotional spot, engaging in mass advertising, and securing a venue for the event.
In a promotional video, Alpha Nation CEO Veronica Barraza said that their aim is to bring joy to the children of Glendale.
“It feels good to do it; it’s bringing back happy faces to those kids that really need it,” said Barraza.
Also present were Glendale’s fire and police departments. Those first responders assisted in ensuring a healthy and safe event occurred. Additionally, the Arizona Rangers provided oversight of the toy delivery for distribution.
Weiers said that the Christmas festivity was just one manifestation of his duty to improve the lives of his constituents, especially in the present economic time.
“We all know families that are struggling with daily life right now. We know the expectations of children during the holiday season are high, making the stress level on parents and guardians even higher,” said Weiers. “Because I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of the people I serve, it only seemed natural to accept the challenge of making this event happen.”
The mayor encouraged Glendale residents and fellow Arizonans to get involved in the good doings of Alpha Nation and AZ Goods.
“The public private partnership we developed with AZ Goods and their nonprofit partner, Alpha Nation, through this event changed lives and I encourage each and every one of you to learn more about these organizations,” said Weiers. “I cannot thank everyone who was involved in this event enough. Each and every one of you exemplified the reason for the season. Thank you.”
AZ Goods was established in 2020 through a partnership between Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa and the national nonprofit organization Good360. AZ Goods distributes donated goods currently to over 100 nonprofits.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 23, 2023 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Although former President Donald Trump will be on Arizona ballots come March, he may not be eligible to run.
In a historic and narrow ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that former President Donald Trump isn’t eligible for office under Section Three of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits insurrectionists, rebels, or sympathizers from running for office.
The court issued a stay on its decision until either Jan. 4 or the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case, whichever comes sooner.
Arizona’s Republican leaders decried the court ruling online, while Democratic leaders largely remained silent.
Arizona House Speaker and congressional candidate Ben Toma (R-LD08) called the ruling an “abomination to the rule of law,” noting that Trump was convicted of no crime.
“This is a gross politicization of the Justice System and the Supreme Court should intervene to reinstate him on the Colorado ballot,” said Toma.
In a series of tweets, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) called the ruling “election interference” and speculated that the ruling had suspicious timing, given the historic low approval rating awarded to President Joe Biden recently. Crane accused the Democratic Party of fearing a Trump-Biden faceoff.
“At the end of the day, the left fears a return of President Trump because it would be a return to peace through strength,” said Crane. “He threatens to end their forever wars abroad, their open borders at home, and their government control over YOU.”
Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-08) called the decision “insane” and “the ultimate attack on democracy.”
“Democrat-appointed Colorado judges rule in favor of group saying they want to protect democracy by throwing @realDonaldTrump off ballot when the act of throwing Trump off ballot is the ultimate attack on democracy!” said Lesko.
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) saud the court decision was based on political, not legal reasoning.
“The [Democrats] know they can’t beat Trump, so they remove him and disenfranchise the voters of CO,” said Gosar. “A new low for our country. SCOTUS must end this election interference madness.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 22, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
The crisis at America’s southern border continues to present serious national security concerns.
Last week, it was reported that ten IEDs were found along the Arizona / U.S. – Mexico border.
According to reports, the explosive devices were found on the Mexican side of the border, near Sasabe (located between Nogales and Lukeville).
Republican state legislators joined many from around the country to declare their outrage and worries over this latest revelation from the border. Senator Wendy Rogers said, “We’ve known this was coming.”
Representative John Gillette added, “We have confirmed that internal officer safety alert dated December 13th that warns CBP agents to be vigilant as (IEDs) found at the border. How long will it be until the terrorists crossing the border are wearing suicide vest? Biden admin 100% to blame.”
Ali Bradley, a National Correspondent for NewsNation, reminded her audience that this episode wasn’t the first time that an IED had been found at the border.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, the President of the Arizona Sheriff’s Association, issued the following statement when asked by AZ Free News for comment: “We have long said that sometimes very dangerous criminals and people with intent to harm America are crossing the border daily. We need more resources from both the federal government and the state to catch these people trying to harm America. Local law enforcement encounters more violent and dangerous criminals along the border than ever before. People smuggling IEDs are doing so to attack America. The federal government needs to understand the threat and then provide the needed resources.”
The news about the IEDs came just hours before Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs issued an executive order to mobilize members of Arizona’s National Guard to a local epicenter of the crisis in Lukeville. Hobbs’ action was criticized by some Republican legislators, who questioned her motivations and timing for the decision. Representative Justin Heap stated, “Katie Hobbs has never cared about the Border. The reason Hobbs needs to appear to be taking action now (after years of opposing immigration reform & spending her first year in office dismantling state efforts to secure our own border) is the Border Crisis is such a complete disaster that her advisors have warned her that continued inaction will hurt democrats chances of winning in an election year. This isn’t security, it’s political calculation.”
Representative Jacqueline Parker also weighed in on Heap’s assertions, saying, “It’s actually worse than that – she still isn’t going to do anything to fix the problems. Nothing will really change. She’s just giving lip service to anyone stupid enough to believe her & finding ways to waste the money we’ve allocated to secure the border.”
The governor’s order proves that she understands the significance of this crisis – especially as the state approaches a critical election year for both parties. However, Republicans and Democrats entering their second year of a divided government will likely be at odds when it comes to possible solutions to help Arizona stem the historic tide of illegal immigration.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 22, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
On Tuesday night, it was revealed that the Arizona State Senate had filed a lawsuit in the Maricopa County Superior Court against Governor Katie Hobbs over her refusal “to nominate agency directors, bypassing the Senate’s advice and consent processes.”
The lawsuit asks the Court to declare that the Governor has violated state law and to require her to nominate directors to any of the agencies missing Senate-confirmed heads.
This legal action from Senate Republicans, led by President Warren Petersen, promises to reignite a fiery political saga just weeks from the start of business for the Arizona Legislature.
Senator Wendy Rogers, who appeared to break the news of the lawsuit on “X,” celebrated the filing, highlighting her pride that her Senate Republican colleagues are “committed to upholding the law to protect Arizonans’ liberty.”
In September, Hobbs sent a letter to Petersen, informing him that she would “withdraw all director nominations that remain pending before the Senate and pursue other lawful avenues of ensuring State government can continue to function for Arizonans.” The governor blamed Senate Republicans for not “fulfilling (their) statutory obligations in good faith.”
After receiving Hobbs’ correspondence, Petersen stated that “This move by the Executive Branch showcases another prime example of an elected official who believes they’re already above the law and will go to extreme measures to bypass the requirements of the law when they don’t get their way.” Petersen also warned of the consequences of Hobbs’ unprecedented actions, saying, “Without directors fulfilling these obligations, the legality of every decision made by these state agencies is dubious, and litigation against the state would surely prevail.”
It didn’t take long for Petersen’s warning to come to fruition. One day after his statement, Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee held a Board of Investment Meeting and refused to recognize “employees from the Department of Administration or the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as legally participating members.”
Senator Jake Hoffman, the chairman of the committee that was tasked with vetting Hobbs’ nominees, reacted to his chamber’s breaking lawsuit against the governor, telling AZ Free News that the state’s chief executive has “made it abundantly clear to voters that Democrats care more about playing petulant political games and throwing temper tantrums than actually governing.” Hoffman contrasted Hobbs’ efforts with those of his colleagues, noting, “Republicans are committed to creating a government that works for every Arizonan.”
On February 2, Petersen announced the formation of the Senate Committee on Director Nominations, tasking this panel “with gathering information and evaluating qualifications on the governor’s executive appointments in order to recommend a course of action for the Senate to take on each individual.” The Senate President appointed five members to serve on the committee – three Republicans and two Democrats.
Over the next several months, the committee held multiple hearings for Hobbs’ nominees. Although Hobbs was upset that not everyone of her nominees received a passing grade, Petersen reminded observers that the process chosen by the Senate had “approved 70 percent of her nominees,” adding that “we are not a rubber stamp.”
The lawsuit follows increased efforts from Senate Republicans to set the agenda for 2024 in a critical election year for both political parties. The Senate Republicans recently released their Majority Plan, laying out their caucus’s priorities on eleven major categories. Republicans in both chambers also held a press conference this month to announce a plan to “ease the financial burden hitting hardworking Arizonans when they fill their gas tanks…by addressing fuel blend requirements in Arizona.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
