by Matthew Holloway | Sep 12, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In just the first week of September, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought criminal charges related to illegal immigration against 218 defendants.
Among these cases, 107 aliens faced charges for illegally entering the United States, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). 100 aliens were charged for re-entering unlawfully, along with eleven suspects charged for “smuggling illegal aliens into and within” the state as part of ‘Operation Take Back America’.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), the September cases were either referred or supported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In the previous week, the last of August, 233 individuals were charged, showing a slight dip in apprehensions week-over-week. Still, the DOJ has maintained an overall consistent pace, with 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the U.S., and 108 aliens charged for illegally entering.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted a few notable cases, including one involving a Mexican national, Jose Uriel Meraz-Aguilar, 20, who U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested along with three other people. Aguilar was reportedly “wearing camouflage and carpet shoes,” and “attempted to travel north through the desert toward Interstate 8, but became separated,” a common scenario for human smugglers. Two of his companions were rescued and received medical care for dehydration and heat exhaustion.
According to the USAO, “Agents learned that Meraz-Aguilar was being paid to serve as a foot guide for the Salazares Cartel, and that he had left the individuals behind in the desert on cartel instructions.”
In a similar case, Edwuin Lucino Hernandez-Cordero, also a Mexican national, was charged with Conspiracy to Transport an Illegal Alien. The USAO’s report stated, “Hernandez-Cordero had previously been pulled over in July 2025 while transporting five illegal aliens. Subsequent investigation linked Hernandez-Cordero to stash houses in Glendale and Phoenix run by a human smuggling organization. Hernandez-Cordero and his associates were identified as drivers and caretakers involved in transporting illegal aliens throughout the United States for profit.”
The DOJ identified these cases as part of Operation Take Back America.
In aggregate, the DOJ publicly reported weekly data under ‘Operation Take Back America’ shows that for the past 27 weeks since the operation’s announcement, about 20,000 individuals have faced charges ranging from immigration violations, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses, to conspiring with narco-terrorist cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Jonathan Eberle | Sep 12, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Robert “Bob” Corbin, a longtime Arizona public official who served as state Attorney General and played a pivotal role in some of the state’s most high-profile legal cases, has died. He was 96.
Corbin’s career in public service spanned decades, beginning as Maricopa County Attorney and later as a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. In 1979, he was elected Arizona’s Attorney General, a position he held through the 1980s.
Known for his commitment to integrity in government, Corbin gained recognition for prosecuting public officials accused of corruption and for pursuing justice in the 1976 car-bomb killing of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles — a case that shocked the state and the nation. His work in that era helped shape Arizona’s reputation for taking on organized crime and political misconduct.
Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin expressed condolences, saying Corbin “was a man of integrity and a selfless public servant” whose leadership left a lasting mark on the state. “He played a central role in landmark judicial cases, went after officials who violated the public trust, and prosecuted those responsible for the murder of journalist Don Bolles,” Galvin said in a statement. “As both an attorney and elected official, I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of someone so influential and principled.”
Beyond his courtroom and public service record, Corbin was respected across party lines for his measured approach to law enforcement and governance. He also served as president of the National Rifle Association in the early 1990s, a role that reflected his deep involvement in public policy beyond Arizona.
Corbin is survived by his wife, former state senator Lori Klein Corbin, along with family, friends, and colleagues who remember him as a man deeply devoted to both his work and the people of Arizona.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 11, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Border Patrol is stepping up enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border with new “prosecution enhancements,” according to Jason E. Schneider, Acting Chief Patrol Agent for the Rio Grande Valley. The policy applies harsher federal charges to both illegal aliens crossing the border and smugglers.
In a post to X, Chief Schneider announced that the “RGV Border Patrol is now using tougher federal charges against illegal crossings & smuggling, including: 18 USC 2339 – Aiding Terrorists, 8 USC 1326 – Illegal Reentry, 8 USC 1324 – Alien Smuggling, 8 USC 1325 – Illegal Entry.”
In an infographic, the post from Schneider announced, “The Border is Closed.”
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2339A and 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, U.S. law says, “Whoever provides material support or resources or conceals or disguises the nature, location, source, or ownership of material support or resources, knowing or intending that they are to be used in preparation for, or in carrying out” a terrorist attack will face punishments ranging from fines to 15 years in prison, or if the death of any person should be connected to their action, a life sentence.
In a follow-up comment, Schneider wrote, “Cross illegally & you will face serious consequences. Honor First!”
Schneider was named acting chief patrol agent following the removal of former RGV Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez. In a statement released to Valley Central in early August, U.S. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott explained, “CBP does not comment on specific disciplinary actions,” however, he alluded to “misconduct—on or off duty—by a few,” and “refusing to accept misconduct of even a few, regardless of rank.”
He stated in full:
“We will continue to adhere to our core values: Integrity is our cornerstone. We are guided by the highest ethical and moral principles. Our actions must bring honor to ourselves and our agency. Misconduct—on or off duty—by a few distracts from the honorable service of the many. CBP leadership under the Trump Administration are extremely proud to support the agents that honorably protect America every day by refusing to accept misconduct of even a few, regardless of rank.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 11, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona voters are deeply concerned about wildfires and are calling for a shift in state policy toward proactive forest and land management to prevent catastrophic fires, according to recent polling.
The survey, conducted by Noble Predictive Insights (NPI), found an overwhelming 78% of Arizona voters express concern about recent wildfires, with bipartisan alarm cutting across political divides.
Both Republicans and Democrats report identical levels of concern at 82%, while 70% of Independents share similar worries. This concern spans generations, with 80% of voters aged 65+ and 76% of those aged 18-29 voicing concerns.
In Maricopa County, 76% of voters express concern about recent wildfires, with 36% being very concerned, while Pima County reports a higher level of concern at 80%, with 48% being very concerned, reflecting its proximity to recent wildfire activity. Rural counties also show elevated concern at 80%, with 48% very concerned, likely due to their direct exposure to forested areas.
Notably, educational attainment correlates with heightened awareness, as 82% of college graduates and postgraduates express concern compared to 68% of those with a high school degree or less.
Despite recognizing wildfires as a pressing threat, only 18% of voters believe Arizona is well-prepared for future wildfire emergencies.
A majority (52%) acknowledge some level of preparation but see room for improvement, while 21% say the state is not prepared at all. Republicans (22%) and Democrats (21%) are slightly more optimistic about preparedness than Independents (12%), highlighting varied perceptions of state leadership’s efforts.
Maricopa County voters are slightly more optimistic on preparation, with 18% believing the state is well-prepared, compared to 17% in Pima and 20% in rural counties. However, all regions agree that significant gaps remain (54% in Maricopa, 51% in Pima, 50% in rural counties).
Arizona voters are clear in their preference for long-term prevention over short-term firefighting or recovery efforts. A striking 43% identify improved forest and land management as the top priority for state wildfire policy, far outpacing support for increased firefighting funding (23%) or post-fire recovery assistance (15%).
This prevention-first mandate holds across party lines, with 53% of Republicans, 41% of Democrats, and 35% of Independents prioritizing forest management.
“Wildfires touch every community in Arizona, and voters are telling us they do not think the state is ready enough for what lies ahead,” said Mike Noble, NPI Founder and CEO. “What is most striking is the consensus. Whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, voters overwhelmingly want prevention to be the top priority.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist leader and co-founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, was silenced by an assassin’s bullet at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.
As Kirk took questions in his well-known debate format, seated beneath a tent as part of The American Comeback Tour, a single loud shot rang out across the open air.
Kirk was addressing a question on the recent string of mass shootings involving transgender Americans in what would be his last public exchange.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk was asked.
“Too many,” Kirk replied.
The individual answered that there were five.
“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk was then asked.
He responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Within a fraction of a second, Kirk was shot and seen reacting immediately as it struck the left side of his neck. He bled profusely and slumped to the ground.
Kirk was rapidly airlifted from the scene to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead a little over two hours later.
A person of interest was arrested shortly after the shooting at the university but was later released. However, at 3:31 p.m. MDT, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of a second subject, who was also subsequently released after questioning. The assassin is still at large as of this report.
Turning Point USA is based in Arizona and has been a major force in state and local politics as well as on the national scale since Kirk moved the organization’s headquarters from Chicago to Phoenix in 2018.
Arizona officials from both sides of the aisle issued statements following the assassination of Kirk. Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro stated, “God bless American hero Charlie Kirk and his family. His horrific assassination today is a devastating tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. Charlie was a fearless voice who inspired millions with his faith, his devotion to freedom, and his conviction to defend America’s founding principles.”
Montenegro added, “This was political terrorism. Violence aimed at silencing any voices must be confronted and dealt with justly and without hesitation. Charlie is now with his Heavenly Father, but his legacy will endure in the movement he built, the young people he awakened, and the truth he spoke without apology.”
Congressman Andy Biggs issued a statement on X, saying, “Erika and Charlie’s young children are in my family’s prayers as I know the Lord will cover them in love. Cindy and I ask everyone to continue praying and sending strength to the Kirk family. We have tragically lost a tremendous leader and a friend. But his most important role was as a loving husband, father, and devout Christian who shared his faith unapologetically. Charlie Kirk was an inspiration to an entire generation and will be remembered as someone who changed the course of our country.”
In a post to X, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen responded to Kirk’s assassination, saying, “I am absolutely shocked, sickened, and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable, and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him.”
The top-ranking Democrats in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, condemned “the violent attack” and “the horrific act of violence against Charlie Kirk,” respectively.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) wrote in a statement:
“Charlie Kirk was a force to be reckoned with. He was a Happy Warrior for the conservative cause.
He was martyred doing what he did best – talking to young people and sharing ideas. That is what is supposed to happen on our college campuses, and throughout our country: sharing diverse opinions and entertaining others’ points of view in the pursuit of a brighter future.
We will not let a lone gunman snuff out the bright fire Charlie lit in the hearts of young patriots who share the America First agenda and make up the Make America Great Again Movement, nor will we stop our efforts to bridge the political divide through conversation.
We will carry on what he started and build on his lasting legacy of inspiring the next generation of American leaders.
I urge everyone to join me in praying for the soul of this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest utility, has submitted a highly questionable new resource plan to the Arizona Corporation Commission, outlining a significant shift in its energy generation strategy through 2028.
The plan, detailed in a recent filing, reveals APS’s intent to disregard President Trump’s opposition to wind power. It will nearly double its generating capacity by adding 7,200 MW of new power, with 93% coming from expensive and unreliable renewable sources—solar, wind, and battery storage—while natural gas accounts for just 7%.
This marks a dramatic pivot toward renewables, with wind power additions matching gas over the next four years and solar outpacing gas by five times over the next three years.
The plan stems from APS’s 2023 “All Source” Request for Proposals (RFP), which initially sought 1,000 MW of new generation, with at least 700 MW from renewables. Surpassing expectations, APS contracted for 7,200 MW, transforming its energy mix.
By 2028, APS’s generation is projected to shift from 76% reliable dispatchable sources (55% natural gas, 14% coal, 8% nuclear) and 19% renewables (10% solar, 6% wind, 3% battery storage) to 46% reliable sources (35% gas, 6% coal, 5% nuclear) and 52% renewables (22% solar, 7% wind, 23% battery storage). This expansion is equivalent to building two new Palo Verde nuclear plants.
This renewable-heavy strategy comes despite recent emphasis by APS and the Commission on a new natural gas pipeline.
The plan has sparked controversy because it contrasts with President Trump’s criticism of wind energy, as APS doubles down on clean energy investments.
Regarding coal, APS’s filing remains vague on the closure of the Four Corners coal plant, projecting an exit between 2031 and 2038. This aligns with APS’s recent shift from “carbon-free” to a “carbon-neutral” goal by 2050.
The revised commitment addresses concerns about affordability and reliability while maintaining a focus on clean energy. Under carbon neutrality, APS must expand generation without increasing emissions, necessitating significant renewable and storage investments.
The Arizona Free Enterprise Club has expressed concerns over the delayed coal phase-out and questioned the cost of the renewable-heavy plan, estimating $42.7 billion over the next 15 years.
APS’s prior claims that renewables paired with storage could match the reliability and affordability of fossil fuels have faced skepticism that the transition may lead to higher rates and grid reliability challenges.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
