COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR
ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY
In Arizona’s LD7—and across the entire state—the consequences of open borders demand more than rhetoric; they demand bold leadership and immediate action. This strategy delivers real solutions: advanced infrastructure like smart barriers and surveillance tech, upgraded patrol roads and checkpoints, and fully equipped operations hubs to coordinate local and federal forces. But strong leadership goes further—it invests in people. That means funding rural and border law enforcement, expanding broadband for secure communications, and training veterans and local workers to build and protect their communities. Every step is guided by values—justice, accountability, respect for law enforcement—and backed by results: safer neighborhoods, faster response times, stronger economies. This isn’t theory—it’s a plan ready to activate. Walt Blackman has delivered for LD7 and Arizona, where others talk—and he’s ready to keep leading LD7 and Arizona forward with bold action, real solutions, and an unshakable commitment to the people he serves.
National Guard Utilization
Walt's plan involves enhancing the Arizona National Guard's capabilities for border security by increasing funding and authorized personnel strength. It leverages the Guard's experience in combat zones and training with the Active Army, including specialized desert and border security training at the Army's National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The strategy focuses on utilizing the Guard's real-world deployment experience, military engineering, and logistical expertise to bolster the southern border's defense, all while adhering to state laws and guidelines. This approach is designed to significantly strengthen Arizona's resources in addressing border security challenges.
Sheriff Department Funding
Increase financial support for border sheriff departments, enabling them to enhance local enforcement and response capabilities.
Enhancing Arizona Border Task Force
To enhance Arizona's border security, the plan is to bolster the existing Arizona Border Task Force by establishing a dedicated budget line. This budget will focus on recruitment, training, and equipping the force with advanced defense technology. The task force will operate under the command structure of the Arizona National Guard, allowing for a coordinated effort with National Guard units. This integration will transform the Border Task Force into a specialized unit, synergizing their efforts with the National Guard to effectively secure Arizona's borders.
Protecting Arizona Starts at the Border—and Starts Now.
In Arizona’s LD7—and across the state—the effects of open borders are real and immediate: strained law enforcement, vulnerable tribal communities, and families left without protection. That ends with bold, decisive leadership. We will secure our border through smart infrastructure—advanced surveillance, modernized checkpoints, and multi-agency hubs that unite tribal, local, and federal enforcement. But security isn’t just steel and sensors—it’s people. We’ll invest in rural officers, expand broadband, and train veterans and local workers to build and protect their communities. These are actionable, results-driven solutions that will deliver safer neighborhoods, faster response times, and stronger local economies—all guided by environmental care, tribal respect, and Arizona values. This is leadership that acts—not later, but now.
Strengthening Arizona’s Border Security Through Statewide Agency Collaboration
Arizona’s approach to border security must be strategic, coordinated, and rooted in smart use of state resources. Our safety depends not just on federal action, but on how effectively we mobilize our own capabilities across state agencies.
Key departments will play vital roles in a unified response. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will continue to lead law enforcement efforts and emergency response in high-risk areas. The Arizona Department of Homeland Security will coordinate public safety and threat mitigation strategies. In remote regions, the Arizona Game and Fish Department brings critical terrain knowledge and field support. The Arizona Department of Transportation will manage infrastructure and logistics essential to sustaining operations. Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Health Services will provide necessary medical and health support during large-scale deployments.
By aligning these agencies under a common mission, Arizona can take real ownership of its border security—prioritizing safety, efficiency, and accountability for the people of this state.