Arizona Politics

Gillette Scorches Arizona Democrats After Agriculture Inspector Arrested for Human Smuggling Over Border

State Representative John Gillette (R-30) issued a scathing remark on X (formerly Twitter) after Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) Inspector Joshua Castro was arrested over the weekend for apparent human smuggling over the border.

AZFamily provided the story, describing how Castro was arrested earlier in April by Border Patrol agents. Castro was caught transporting two illegal aliens along a known smuggling route in a black Chevrolet Impala, still in uniform but not on duty.

Castro was immediately fired from the AZDA and now faces one felony and one misdemeanor charge, which complicates the appointment of Paul Brierley, Governor Katie Hobbs's (D-AZ) pick for AZDA Director.

State Senate Republicans, as AZFamily continued, noted that Brierley has previously expressed criticism of President Donald Trump on social media.

On X (formerly Twitter), State Rep. Gillette held nothing back in condemning Arizona Democrats' protesting of Border Czar Tom Homan's address in the Capitol in light of the arrest, saying, "While Democrats Protested Tom Homan, Their Own Was Being Arrested for Human Smuggling Two weeks ago, Arizona Democrats staged a ridiculous protest outside the Capitol during former ICE Director Tom Homan's visit. They grandstanded, virtue-signaled, and walked out like spoiled children throwing a tantrum."

"Meanwhile — while they were marching for illegal immigration "rights"  one of their own, a Department of Agriculture Inspector Joshua Castro, appointed under their leadership, was under investigation for human trafficking and has now been arrested," Rep. Gillette continued, adding, "We told people-but they didn't listen!"

The Kingman representative did not let up, continuing, "This is not random. This is incompetent leadership from the top down. Governor Hobbs has made her priorities crystal clear: She vetoed every serious border security and public safety bill. She vetoed common-sense legislation to protect Arizonans. She proudly puts the interests of illegals before the safety of Arizona citizens. Her messaging empowers lawlessness."

"My question is this: Why would you side with Hobbs and her machine and fall for their narrative? Why would you align yourself with a group of proven liars, criminals, and budget wreckers who endanger the public and openly groom chaos for political gain?" Gillette concluded.

Grayson Bakich

Grayson Bakich is a Florida and Arizona legislative correspondent for The Floridian and Cactus Politics, specializing in national and state-level politics. With three years' experience covering federal Florida, and Arizona politics, they have been cited by NewsBreak, SGT Report, Lucianne.com, and Cause Action. Email: grayson@dnm.news

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