I recently had the honor of joining POLARIS National Security Founder and my dear friend, Morgan Ortagus, alongside RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump, on an impactful tour of the U.S./Mexico border in Yuma, Arizona. I was grateful to stand with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, congressional candidates, and other dedicated leaders to witness the challenges at our border.
What struck me most during this trip was the remarkable power of local government and its ability to find solutions in crisis.
I want to thank Jonathan Lines, Yuma County District Supervisor, for his invaluable insights during our whirlwind visit. His deep understanding of the local crisis, economic, agricultural, and human tragedy and his proactive role in shaping effective responses were truly inspiring.
Yuma Sheriff Leon Wilmot and Mayor Doug Nicholls also left a lasting impact as they shared the real solutions they’ve implemented to manage the crisis. Their leadership and ability to navigate through such challenging circumstances reinforced the critical role of local government in addressing national issues.
One moment that stood out to me was our 3 a.m. drive in a van with the POLARIS team. It was surreal—on one side, the towering, massive border wall stood firm, while unfinished sections lay piled up in racks exposed on the other. The stark contrast between what was complete and what remained unresolved was a vivid reminder of the ongoing work and challenges at our border.
Adding to the experience, retired Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem spoke some hard truths about the realities faced by our border patrol officers and migrants. His candid remarks painted a sobering picture of the complexities at play, making it clear just how essential it is to address these challenges head-on.
Later, Dr. Robert “Bob” Trenschel, President & Chief Executive Officer of Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), shared the immense financial burden that the hospital faces as it refuses to turn anyone away. While their unwavering commitment to providing care to all reflects genuine compassion, the economic impact has been devastating. Since 2021, YRMC, a regional not-for-profit hospital, has treated over 2,000 migrant patients at a loss of over $32 million with only $399,393 in payments.
The roundtable discussions we had with local law enforcement, farmers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders further reinforced how deeply this crisis is felt at the local level.
I came away with a greater understanding of the situation and a profound respect for the leadership and determination of the Yuma community. Thank you.
