by Terri Jo Neff | Sep 20, 2022 | News
By Terri Jo Neff |
When Chris Riggs watched news last week about the outcry over immigrants being voluntarily transported to Martha’s Vineyard, he was first shocked. Then he become infuriated at what he says is a clear double standard toward communities dealing with undocumented immigrants who have come into the U.S.
“It just goes to add proof that there are two systems of government in this country – one for the elite and one for everyone else,” Riggs told KFYI’s James T. Harris on Monday, pointing to the “massive disconnect D.C. has with the average American.”
And Riggs should know.
He is the mayor of Gila Bend, the town of 1,900 people along Interstate 8 between Eloy and Yuma which became ground zero in March 2021 for U.S. Border Patrol agents to dump immigrants in the middle of his town to wait for a Greyhound bus, which was often not scheduled to arrive for hours or even not until the next day.
USBP left the migrants to fend for themselves in a town with no shelter, no regular police patrol, and no emergency medical facility. Riggs, his council, and residents did their best to help but with a per capita income of less than $23,000 and no assistance from federal officials their options were limited.
Gila Bend was eventually removed as a USBP dumping ground after Riggs received national media attention about the problems. However, when Riggs learned of all the help offered to residents of upscale Martha’s Vineyard to deal with 50 or so migrants he admits becoming angry.
It also reinforced his concern that Gila Bend may have been purposely sacrificed by federal authorities, as the town has become a magnet for Cartel activity with little being done to stem the problems.
“Every day we see 50, 100, sometimes more pass through Gila Bend and that’s only the ones we see,” Riggs told Harris of the migrants who find their way in his town. “It’s a regular occurrence to have groups of 20 plus pass right around my home. And it’s not just my place. Everyone is seeing the same thing here.”
The continual problem of human smuggling and drug trafficking has led to a sharp uptick of property crimes, according to the mayor.
“No one wants to have things stolen from them, but when they steal from people that have so little it really has an impact,” Riggs said.
He also reported violent crimes have dramatically increased, including drive-by shootings and homicides, which are Cartel related. Riggs has taken to encouraging residents to obtain a firearm and get trained in its use.
“It is up to the individual to provide for their safety and security,” he told Harris, pointing to the town’s limited resources and options for responding to the Cartel.
Riggs believes USBP agents are doing “the very best they can with the resources they have,” while putting the blame for the situation in Gila Bend directly at the feet of President Joe Biden and his supporters.
“This administration couldn’t give two damns what happens to any community that doesn’t affect them or other elites directly,” Riggs said, adding he “wouldn’t be surprised” to find the current situation in Gila Bend is a sort of payback for Riggs being so outspoken.
“But when things aren’t right, you have to speak up,” he told Harris.
by Corinne Murdock | Sep 4, 2021 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Within 24 hours of the Gila Bend flooding tragedy, Republican governor-hopeful Matt Salmon organized relief efforts to flood victims. Salmon helped raise over $6,000 in cash and filled a gymnasium with resources like water, food, and clothes.
In an interview with AZ Free News, Salmon explained that he and his team sprung into action immediately. They appeared on local radio stations and sent out tweets, emails, and a variety of other messages to pool resources. Their team also received help from the Mesa Republican Women’s Club and community members.
“It was really wonderful. We had a lot of the college Republicans that came and helped us out, sitting there in the hot sun all day collecting both money and equipment,” recounted Salmon.
Salmon then drove a U-haul truck to the Silver Star Theatre in Mesa to gather the donations; his wife, Nancy, assisted them all day. Gila Bend Mayor Chris Riggs told Salmon that cash would be more helpful to many families, since the flooding had left them without a place to sleep.
“It was really wonderful. We had a lot of the college Republicans that came and helped us out, sitting there in the hot sun all day collecting both money and equipment,” recounted Salmon. “It was really a team effort.”
In addition to cash donations, they also collected cleanup equipment like shovels, wheelbarrows, mops, plastic bags, and gloves. As the donations were collected, Salmon shared that one of the city council members showed him around to observe the devastation up close.
Salmon told AZ Free News that he was glad that they could offer immediate assistance to the many families affected by the historic flood.
“It really did my heart good that we could do something to help give back and help these folks. There were over 100 homes that were flooded out and destroyed,” explained Salmon. “Many lost everything they had.”
According to reports, two individuals perished as a result of the flash flood.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Terri Jo Neff | Aug 16, 2021 | News
By Terri Jo Neff |
The deaths of at least two residents, along with a costly cleanup and the potential for even more devastation due to the forecast for more rain faces the residents of Gila Bend, a rural area in Maricopa County which suffered horrific flooding early Saturday morning after hours of heavy rain the night before.
A state of emergency was declared Saturday by Mayor Chris Riggs as well as the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. The same is forthcoming from the State, according to Gov. Doug Ducey.
“Arizona is actively working with local emergency officials to assist in the response to the recent flooding in Gila Bend,” Ducey tweeted after learning of the devastation. “We are in contact with local first responders to provide resources and prepare a state declaration of emergency.”
Gila Bend is a town of about 1,800 located 70 miles southwest of Phoenix. Authorities say rescue efforts were hampered by the fact the area of flooding started in the dark and was widespread across the town. In addition, the monsoon rains were accompanied by a lot of lightening and a main roadway, State Route 238, was impassable in spots between Maricopa and Gila Bend.
About 30 people were pulled to safety from atop their homes by helicopters and roughly 100 residents had to find alternative housing due to the damage. Unfortunately, the mayor confirmed that two people died as a result of the flooding.
County officials activated an Emergency Operations Center near the town to help with coordination of rescue and relocation activities, while members of the Arizona Rangers aided with security and transportation. By Saturday afternoon the water had subsided enough that search and rescue workers were leaving the area, but earlier in the day there were about 90 first responders on scene.
Efforts were still underway Sunday night to account for all residents and visitors in the area.
Meanwhile, county employees were joined by Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) workers throughout the weekend to clear roads. The Maricopa County Flood Control District and state officials are expected to be in Gila Bend in the coming days to monitor water quality issues.
Emergency responders are also preparing for the potential for further flooding into Tuesday evening as more rain is forecast to hit the area.
