SW Valley Times

Arizona State Senators David Gowan and Janae Shamp, both Republicans, have unveiled the "Arizona Border Invasion Act". This proposed legislation introduces three border-related crimes that would empower law enforcement to apprehend violators.

According to Senator Gowan, "This is the worst border crisis in U.S. history. Our local sheriffs are overwhelmed, outnumbered, and their lives are in danger." He continued by outlining the impacts on local communities: "Our communities are suffering from the deadly fentanyl, rapes, murders, high-speed chases, kidnappings, human smuggling, child sex trafficking, and other heinous crimes carried out by those who are entering our state illegally."

Gowan further criticized the federal government's approach to border control under President Biden: "We can't just sit idly by and watch Biden's border invasion destroy Arizona." He stressed the urgency of the situation: "Lives are on the line, and the hands of our local law enforcement are currently tied."

The proposed legislation stipulates that all local, county, and state level law enforcement officers in Arizona would be authorized to arrest any non-U.S. citizen who has either entered the state unlawfully or failed to comply with a removal order.

In addition to this act, Gowan has proposed another bill aimed at imposing stricter penalties for individuals who endanger others' lives while attempting to evade law enforcement during high-speed chases or transporting a minor below 15 years old during such incidents.

Senator Gowan represents Legislative District 19 in Arizona. Elected to the state senate in 2019 after serving in the state House of Representatives since 2009. During his tenure in the House of Representatives from 2015-2017 he served as Speaker of the House. A graduate from University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree, Gowan resides in Sierra Vista with his wife.