By Maria Polletta | Arizona Republic
Despite deeming outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen “a model public servant,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said he does not want to see a repeat of migrant families separated at the border — the defining policy of Nielsen’s tenure.
The Republican governor also stressed Tuesday that he plans to finish his second term, despite the cabinet opening created by Nielsen’s resignation.
Ducey made the comments during a series of school visits Tuesday, where students and reporters alike peppered him with questions. Nielsen resigned Sunday amid a sharp, ongoing increase in migrant crossings at the southern border.
The governor told reporters he valued his relationship with Nielsen but was accustomed to turnover, saying he’d work to “get to know” her temporary successor, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. He also revived his call for Congress to reform the country’s immigration laws.
“My concern is always going to be first and foremost for the state of Arizona,” Ducey said. “That’s what I’ll be in public and in Washington, D.C. advocating for.”
