Arizona lawmakers address border crisis

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Border issues continue to be top of mind for state and federal lawmakers. 

Arizona representatives gathered at the state capitol today to bring light to the border crisis Yuma

We also spoke to U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema about border issues, specifically her efforts to prevent cartels from recruiting Arizona teenagers. 

Sinema hopes to pass legislation requiring social media platforms to cooperate with and report information to the Department of Homeland Security.

Cartels posting their crimes and recruiting their next members on social media.
“Recruiting them to act as drivers for these smuggling operations, often leading to incredibly disastrous results,” said Sinema.

Sometimes even death.

“As we know there have been some high speed chases in recent months with folks actually dying,” said Sinema."

The senator says she's putting a stop to it. 
“So we can remove those very dangerous videos, TikTok’s and reels that are recruiting young people to engage in this activity,” said Sinema.

She says this is especially important for Yuma. 
“So any area of Arizona that is closer to the border is likely to see higher levels of these kinds of content on social media platforms with more intensive recruitment,” said Sinema.

Meanwhile in Phoenix state leaders, gathered at the capitol to talk about the border issues impacting Arizona.

“The legislature is focused on empowering law enforcement to stop border crimes by directing resources, forming task forces, and applying pressure on those who are abiding this crisis and denying the disastrous affects it has on our communities,” said Steve Montenegro, House Health and Human Services Chairman.

Montenegro says crime, illegal narcotics, human smuggling, and sex trafficking are impacting communities like ours.

Also emphasizing the danger of fentanyl.
“The delivery is mixed into the same routes used by the cartels for sex trafficking, human trafficking, drug smuggling and more,” said Montenegro.

These routes including Yuma, San Luis and other border communities.

Currently in the new fiscal year agents have made over 80 thousand apprehensions in the Yuma Sector, according to customs and border protection.

You can watch the livestream HERE.