AZ HCM2015

Fentanyl is identified as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45 and responsible for the majority of all drug overdose deaths nationwide.

Over half of all fentanyl smuggled from Mexico enters through Arizona's border, and Arizona had the highest 12-month increase in drug overdoses as of August 2025.

Joint operations involving Arizona's Attorney General and local, state, and federal partners have seized 22 million fentanyl pills, while Operation Desert Guardian has removed over 971 pounds of drugs from circulation.

The memorial expresses concern over reported reductions in budget, staffing, and operational focus at federal law enforcement agencies in Arizona that target Mexican drug cartels.

Congress and the U.S. Attorney General are urged to restore full funding to the Arizona DEA office, restore full staffing of DEA and ATF agents dedicated to fighting cartels, and invest in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.