WASHINGTON– In an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) emphasized the dramatic drop in border crossings, assuring that it's just the beginning of what needs to be a long-term solution.
The Arizona congressman who made border security a priority of both his 2022 and 2024 campaigns, credits President Donald Trump's executive orders with achieving an over 96% reduction in illegal crossings since taking office.
However, he warns that relying on executive actions alone isn't sustainable.
"If we keep relying on these executive orders, which is how we got into the mess by executive orders from the Biden administration, and we got out of the mess by executive orders from the Trump administration, that's just not a sustainable model," Ciscomani said.
While pleased with the security improvements and declining fentanyl trafficking, Ciscomani highlights that the three distinct areas of border issues are security, trade and commerce, and immigration.
Over 228,000 Arizona jobs depend on trade with Mexico and Canada, while Mexican tourism drives the state's retail and hospitality sectors.
As an immigrant himself, Ciscomani says he understands the immigration process firsthand. He stresses the importance of distinguishing between workers seeking opportunity, tourists supporting local businesses, and criminals crossing illegally.
"A lot of people mix them, a lot of people combine them, and they think they're talking about one when it's the other. So, we need to be able to differentiate them," he said.
