Arizona House passes measure to designate drug cartels as a terrorist organization

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 2055 to be placed on the 2026 general election ballot.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, HCR 2055 is to direct Arizona "to recognize transnational cartels as terrorist organizations and authorizes the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use all available tools to confront them."

HCR 2055 was created to help combat the "rising threat of fentanyl, human trafficking and violence" crossing the border.

"These cartels run brutal, organized operations that traffic women and children, flood our streets with fentanyl, and kill without consequence," said House Speaker Steve Montenegro, who sponsored the bill. "Arizona is on the frontlines of a war that Washington ignored until President Trump took action. This resolution gives the Trump Administration another tool to defend our state, uphold the rule of law, and protect innocent lives. By sending it to the ballot, we're putting the decision where it belongs—with the people."

The measure was co-sponsored by State Representatives Nick Kupper (R-District 25), Michael Carbone (R-District 25) and Michele Pena (R-District 23).

"House Republicans are taking action to protect Arizona," Speaker Montenegro added. “"We trust voters to make their voices heard and stand with us in this fight."

According to AZLeg.gov, the measure has been sent over to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes last Friday before Governor Katie Hobbs signs off on the measure.

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