Arizona GOP Gov. Ducey issues emergency border declaration, backed by state's two Democrat senators

Arizona GOP Gov. Doug Ducey has announced an emergency declaration in response to the rapid influx of migrants along the southwest U.S., a move being supported by the state’s two Democrat senators.

Ducey made the announcement Tuesday and said the effort will include sending as many as 250 National Guard members to help with medical operations in detention centers; installing, maintaining and collecting data from border cameras and analyzing satellite imagery for trends in smuggling corridors.

He also said up to $25 million will be allocated for the mission, according to TV station Fox 10 in Arizona. 

"The situation in our border communities is just as bad – if not worse – than the coverage we've been seeing," Ducey said in announcing his declaration. "It's become evidently clear that Arizona needs the National Guard, and the White House is aware of that. Yet, to this day, there has been no action from this administration, and it doesn’t look like they are going to act any time soon. If this administration isn't going to do anything, then we will."

The state of emergency is active in Cochise, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties, Fox 10 also reports. 

"There are important missions that the Arizona National Guard can perform at the border and the governor calling them up will provide assistance to both local law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security," Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said.

Said fellow Arizona Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema: "I welcome the governor's action to provide logistical support to Arizona communities, and look forward to hearing more details about how the National Guard will assist."