2 weeks Ago By By JAMES GILBERT Yuma Sun Staff Writer
YUMA, Ariz. — As the general election enters its final weeks, Republican U.S.
Senate candidate Kari Lake took center stage in Yuma on Wednesday, pledging a renewed focus on border security amidst growing concerns about illegal immigration. Speaking at a site along the Salinity Canal, just north of County 14th Street where the border fence ends at the Cocopah Reservation, Lake pointed to ongoing issues with illegal crossings in the area. “Every night, we sometimes still see up to hundreds of illegal immigrants crossing into the Yuma sector right where the border wall ends,” she stated, referencing discussions with Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents.
“We’re getting word that between 75 and 100 people are turning themselves in nightly.” In a pointed critique of her opponent, Lake accused Democrat Ruben Gallego of neglecting border security and supporting policies that enable illegal immigration. “My opponent does not want the border wall.
He voted against funding for it every step of the way,” she asserted. Lake outlined her plan to reinstate policies from the Trump administration, including the construction of a complete border wall and the revival of the “Remain in Mexico” policy. She also emphasized her commitment to repatriating individuals who have entered the country illegally since President Biden took office.
Addressing the perceived threat from transnational crime organizations, Lake declared, “These are the members of the cartel, the drug traffickers and the criminals. This should terrify all of us.” She criticized Gallego’s voting record, claiming it has empowered cartels and undermined border security efforts.
Lake also touched on the broader implications of immigration on local communities, suggesting that crime rates in border towns are rising due to lack of federal funding and resources for law enforcement. “If just one person in our state does not feel safe because of this open border, then that’s one too many,” she said. With the election fast approaching, Lake ended by urging Arizonans to engage in early voting, stressing the importance of securing the border and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
“We need everyone to vote early. Don’t wait until Election Day,” she concluded..
