The failed attempt at border security did more than waste tax dollars—it provides a glimpse at how Ducey was able to funnel public money to private interests, and circumvent transparency requirements to keep Arizonans in the dark.
Border encounters fell almost immediately and have stayed down since. Border officials said that more than half of the encounters in May came before Title 42 was lifted.
The government will accept public comment on the proposal until March 27, with an eye toward having it in place in time for the end of Title 42 on May 11. The policy is currently set to expire after two years.
Removal of the containers has created a stark visual shift in affected sections of Arizona's southern landscape as a new governor takes power and inherits the $171 million project from her predecessor.
Federal agencies have told Arizona the construction on US land is unlawful, and environmental groups say the containers could imperil natural water systems and endanger species.
Migrants have been expelled from the United States more than 2.4 million times since the rule took effect in March 2020, denying migrants rights to seek asylum under US and international law on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.