The need to provide a safe and secure region with minimum infringement of border communities' everyday life is a priority as we deal with the heightening of security measures since the 9/11 attacks, and more recently the current challenges in controlling the illicit activity present along the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Arizona and Sonora have developed a number of successful joint initiatives in the area of security, but recognize that there is a need for advance technology at our ports of entry to secure commerce and people while creating an efficient process for the trade flows across the border. Although security is very important, trade is the motor that keeps communities running. Advanced technology will give the region the tools for swift exchange of information and intelligence across the border. While we work together to enhance police forces and courts to be trustworthy and efficient institutions for the betterment of the region. This section emphasizes the cross-border elements of crime prevention, citizen awareness and personal security, and the safe and efficient flow of traffic at ports of entry.

AMC Assigned Committees: Transportation, Infrastructure & Ports | Emergency Management

• Cooperate and coordinate to prevent crime and reduce the crime rate in Arizona and Sonora.
• Further the understanding of citizens in Arizona and Sonora of each government’s laws and judicial systems.
• Enhance citizens’ sense of personal security while traveling through the Arizona-Sonora region
• Help secure the safe, secure and efficient flow of traffic at Arizona and Sonora’s ports of entry.

• Partnered with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to implement “Damming Warrants,” a program that significantly reduced the amount of illegal monies transferred amongst organized crime groups that fund drug and human smuggling
• The AMC partnered with the University of Arizona to secure more than $15 million in federal funding to co-establish a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Border Security and Immigration in Arizona
• Partnered with the Greater Yuma Port Authority (GYPA) and local stakeholders to secure $42 million for the design and construction of the San Luis II port of entry; bringing new technology to port of entry to effectively and efficiently secure the border crossing
• AMC’s Emergency Management Committee initiated a request that secured $500,000 in federal funds to repair a damaged 150-foot section of concrete wash in Nogales, Arizona; received additional funds to patch cracks along the concrete wash in Nogales, Arizona
• Brought forth to the Border Governors Conference 2008, the plan to further expand project gunrunner by adding the e-trace program establishing a border wide initiative to track weapons involved in crimes.
• Established a formal protocol of communication between law enforcement from Arizona and Sonora.
• Implemented state led southbound inspections along the Arizona-Sonora border to deter illegal activity such as trafficking of narcotics, weapons, monies, and people