A proposed expansion of a Border Patrol checkpoint along Interstate 19 in southern Arizona is drawing criticism from U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who questions whether the project would improve border security and says it could harm nearby communities and businesses.
The federal contract, valued at $63 million, has raised questions about the cost and purpose of the planned expansion. Department of Homeland Security acquisition planning records list an estimated cost range of $50 million to $100 million for the project.
Grijalva, a Democrat representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, said she has not seen evidence demonstrating that expanding the checkpoint would make the region safer.
“There isn’t any evidence that it would actually improve border security,” Grijalva said. “It’s just a visual. It’s a nice thing.”
Grijalva questions the project’s necessity
Grijalva said the federal plans involve proposed checkpoint projects in multiple locations, including Arivaca, Three Points and the I-19 corridor.
She criticized the government’s approach to border enforcement, arguing that funding should instead be used to improve and modernize ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.
She said additional checkpoint infrastructure could slow the movement of goods and discourage visitors from traveling to communities such as Tubac.
“Instead of utilizing these funds to really improve and modernize our ports of entry, they’re doing things that are actually going to slow tourism and the transit of goods, services, fruits, vegetables from Mexico into the United States,” Grijalva said.
The congresswoman said she has heard concerns from members of the produce industry about delays associated with the proposed I-19 expansion.
Local businesses could feel the impact
Grijalva said residents and businesses in the Tubac area have contacted her office to express concerns about the project.
She argued that additional checkpoint delays could discourage people from visiting local restaurants and businesses.
“If you have to stop at a checkpoint every time you’re going to go to Tubac to go have lunch at one of the great restaurants that they have, you might go in another direction,” she said.
Grijalva also questioned the need to expand the existing facility when, according to her observations, not all available inspection lanes are consistently open.
She said local officials have not received sufficient information about what the expansion would look like or how it would operate.
“I have no idea what that looks like,” Grijalva said. “We’ve not been privy to any of that information.”
Grijalva calls for more transparency
Grijalva said she and other Democratic members of Arizona’s congressional delegation have sent letters to federal agencies seeking information about immigration enforcement projects, but she expressed frustration with what she described as a lack of responses.
She said she plans to continue requesting information about the checkpoint proposal, although she is uncertain whether congressional inquiries will affect the project’s future.
“We will do the same,” Grijalva said. “But it just feels incredibly frustrating because there is no check and balance right now.”
Grijalva also criticized the use of taxpayer money for projects she believes lack sufficient justification, arguing that the funds could support other community needs.
The federal acquisition planning records identify a projected cost range of $50 million to $100 million. The separate $63 million contract has been associated with the proposed checkpoint work, but the figures should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the same scope of spending.
The project is expected to be completed by September 2029, according to the planning information cited in the report.
Questions remain about the final scope of construction, the project’s expected operational benefits and how the expansion could affect surrounding communities.
