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Va. A.G. Jones Joins Coalition of States in Pushing Back on Federal Rule That Could Undermine Medicaid, Insurance Regulation, and Health Coverage
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 22 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition of States in Pushing Back on Federal Rule That Could Undermine Medicaid, Insurance Regulation, and Health Coverage
Proposed Rule Oversteps Federal Law, Could Cost States Funding for Medicaid and Threaten Health Coverage for Virginians
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RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposed federal rule that the coalition says goes further than federal law allows,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 22 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition of States in Pushing Back on Federal Rule That Could Undermine Medicaid, Insurance Regulation, and Health Coverage
Proposed Rule Oversteps Federal Law, Could Cost States Funding for Medicaid and Threaten Health Coverage for Virginians
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RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposed federal rule that the coalition says goes further than federal law allows,could put federal funding for Medicaid at risk, and also could interfere with state oversight of insurance, and operation of state health insurance exchanges.
The rule was proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for Medicaid. Before a rule like this can take effect, the public, including states, has a chance to weigh in by filing comments. The coalition's comment letter argues that in this case, CMS is rewriting the rules in a way that goes beyond what Congress authorized.
"Virginians depend on strong, stable Medicaid and clear, accountable oversight of their health insurance. This proposed rule would undermine both," Attorney General Jones said. "Our coalition is standing together because CMS has overstepped its authority in ways that could reduce critical funding, create unnecessary barriers, and interfere with state responsibilities that protect families and their access to care. We're urging CMS to pull back this proposal and work with states, not against us, to ensure Medicaid remains reliable for the people who need it most."
Specifically, the rule could change how the federal government treats certain taxes, fees, and other payments collected by states. CMS has described its proposal as intended to ensure that states pay their share of the cost of Medicaid, the joint federal-state health program that covers low-income families. But the proposal would in fact extend far beyond that purpose and would affect taxes and payments unrelated to Medicaid, improperly interfering with state regulation of health insurance and health care exchanges.
In the comment letter filed with CMS, the coalition raises four key concerns:
* The proposed rule would improperly interfere with state regulation of health insurers. For the first time, CMS would penalize states for collecting taxes and payments from health insurance companies by reducing the amounts the states would receive for Medicaid. This would violate the law, threaten states' Medicaid programs, and improperly interfere with states' regulation of health insurance.
* Improperly applying new limits to collection of taxes and payments from health insurers. A law passed by Congress in 2025 imposes new limits on some taxes and payments collected by states. CMS's proposed rule would apply those limits to taxes and payments on health insurers, but that is neither required nor allowed under the 2025 law.
* Eliminating a 30-year-old safety valve. CMS has also proposed changing its criteria for determining when taxes and payments will reduce federal Medicaid contributions. But some of these criteria were written into federal law by Congress and can't be changed by CMS.
* Piling on costly new paperwork. States could have to reconstruct financial records going back to mid-2025 and build entirely new reporting systems from scratch.
"States are already stretched thin funding health coverage for their residents," the coalition wrote. "This rule adds new federal overreach and red tape on top of that, without adequate legal justification."
The coalition also warns that if the rule goes through as proposed, it could squeeze state budgets and put funding at risk for Medicaid and interfere with state insurance oversight and operation of Affordable Care Act health exchanges, all programs the states rely on to keep residents insured.
The coalition is urging CMS to withdraw or significantly revise the proposed rule.
Joining Virginia in sending the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
September 21, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3123-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-coalition-of-states-in-pushing-back-on-federal-rule-that-could-undermine-medicaid-insurance-regulation-and-health-coverage
S.D. Attorney General's Office, DCI to Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in Wagner
PIERRE, South Dakota, Sept. 22 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General's Office, DCI to Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in Wagner
Sept. 21, 2026
PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms that the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), at the request of the Wagner Police Department, is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday, Sept. 20, in Wagner.
The incident occurred in front of the Wagner Police Department. A Wagner Police Officer fired at the suspect, but there were no injuries.
The
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Sept. 22 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General's Office, DCI to Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in Wagner
Sept. 21, 2026
PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms that the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), at the request of the Wagner Police Department, is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday, Sept. 20, in Wagner.
The incident occurred in front of the Wagner Police Department. A Wagner Police Officer fired at the suspect, but there were no injuries.
Thesuspect has been identified as Travis J. Six Toes, 30, of Wagner. He was not struck by gunfire but was treated for minor injuries. He has been charged with Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer by Wagner authorities.
At the completion of the investigation, DCI will issue a case report and shooting summation to be reviewed by the Attorney General for a final determination on the officer's actions. The release of the summary to the public is anticipated within 30 days.
This is the fourth Officer Involved Shooting in South Dakota this year.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3153
Okla. A.G. Drummond Alerts National Security Council to Exploitation of FDA Approved Drugs by Chinese Businesses
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 22 (TNSida) -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond alerts National Security Council to exploitation of FDA approved drugs by Chinese businesses
September 21, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) - Attorney General Gentner Drummond is alerting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a national security risk to the pharmaceutical supply chain that is being exploited by Chinese businesses.
Drummond and 19 other state attorneys general sent a letter last week to Secretary Rubio identifying national security risks
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 22 (TNSida) -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond alerts National Security Council to exploitation of FDA approved drugs by Chinese businesses
September 21, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) - Attorney General Gentner Drummond is alerting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a national security risk to the pharmaceutical supply chain that is being exploited by Chinese businesses.
Drummond and 19 other state attorneys general sent a letter last week to Secretary Rubio identifying national security risksfrom dangerous pharmaceutical ingredients used in popular compounded GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide. In one instance, a business in China exploiting gaps in oversight had direct ties to entities who manufacture fentanyl.
"Chinese businesses have found and exploited a gap in the system that gives them a direct line to patients in the U.S. who use popular injectable prescription drugs," Drummond said. "This exploitation not only poses risks to the health and safety of consumers, but it constitutes a national security risk."
Drummond and the coalition are urging Secretary Rubio and the National Security Council to establish greater oversight of the Green List program or halt the potentially deadly ingredients from entering the country disguised as safe prescription medication.
In September 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the creation of a Green List of suppliers, which has effectively given Chinese suppliers the ability to ship unapproved, knock-off products to the United States without detention or inspection. As the letter states, despite efforts to verify the true source, chain of command and downstream use of the ingredients in real time, the Green List has become a laundering channel.
Harbin Jixianglong Biotech Co., Ltg (Harbin), a Chinese company, was found to have purchased knock-off semaglutide from a non-Green List facility that was not registered with the FDA. Since Harbin was on the Green List, it was only after an on-site inspection that it was discovered that Harbin had repackaged and relabeled the non-Green List products under Harbin's name, changed the manufacturing and retest dates, and distributed them to the United States.
Other states joining the letter include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.
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INFODOC: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/september/2026.09.17 - Letter to Sec. Rubio re GLPs.pdf
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/september/drummond-alerts-national-security-council-to-exploitation-of-fda-approved-drugs-by-chinese-businesses.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Essex County Financial Advisor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Stealing $300,000 From Elderly Client
TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Essex County Financial Advisor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Stealing $300,000 from Elderly Client
September 21, 2026
TRENTON -- Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that an Essex County financial advisor was sentenced to seven years in New Jersey state prison for stealing more than $300,000 from an elderly client who had entrusted him with helping to manage her financial affairs.
John Boston, 50, of Verona, was convicted in May 2026 of one count
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Essex County Financial Advisor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Stealing $300,000 from Elderly Client
September 21, 2026
TRENTON -- Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that an Essex County financial advisor was sentenced to seven years in New Jersey state prison for stealing more than $300,000 from an elderly client who had entrusted him with helping to manage her financial affairs.
John Boston, 50, of Verona, was convicted in May 2026 of one countof second-degree theft and one count of second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition following a six-day trial before Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Arre in Essex County.
"The sentence imposed here reflects our commitment to hold people accountable when they abuse positions of trust for personal gain," said Attorney General Davenport. "New Jerseyans, especially older New Jerseyans, should be able to trust the professionals they rely on to manage their finances. When that trust is exploited, we will work to ensure those responsible are held accountable."
"This defendant took advantage of an elderly client who trusted him to help manage her financial affairs," said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney. "This seven-year prison sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct and our commitment to protecting vulnerable New Jerseyans."
According to documents filed in the case and evidence at trial, Boston worked as a registered financial advisor who contracted with the victim to manage her assets after she received an inheritance from her late brother. Boston, however, never obtained his employer's authorization to provide financial advisory services to the victim and failed to register the victim as a client, as required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
In June 2017, Boston obtained a durable financial power of attorney from the then-90-year-old victim. Evidence presented at trial showed that, rather than managing the victim's assets and ensuring her long-term financial stability, Boston stole more than $300,000 from the victim through a series of ATM withdrawals, bank transfers, and other transactions. He depleted the victim's accounts in less than two years, failed to meet her financial obligations, neglected her care, and later diverted her Social Security benefits for his own personal use. Boston resigned from his position in the securities industry in 2019 and has not been registered in New Jersey since.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Lawrence Krayn and Simret Michael of the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor's (OIFP) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). Sgt. Little Trenard and Detective Chantel Blake led the investigation.
OIFP's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit specifically protects Medicaid beneficiaries and the Medicaid Program from fraud, waste, and abuse. The Unit also may review complaints of abuse or neglect of patients or residents in care facilities regardless of the funding source.
New Jersey MFCU's total funding for federal fiscal year 2026 is $11.6 million. Of that total, 75 percent is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of New Jersey.
To report fraud, abuse or neglect, please email NJMFCU@njdcj.org or call 609-292-1272. If you are concerned about insurance cheating in general, and have information about insurance fraud, you can report fraud anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD or visiting www.NJInsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to eligible persons who provide information that leads to an arrest, prosecution, and conviction for insurance fraud.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/essex-county-financial-advisor-sentenced-to-seven-years-in-prison-for-stealing-300000-from-elderly-client/
N.J. A.G. Davenport Announces Settlement in Warner Bros./Paramount Litigation
TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Davenport Announces Settlement in Warner Bros./Paramount Litigation
September 21, 2026
Proposed Consent Decree (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026.09.21-Paramount-Filed-Consent-Decree.pdf)
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TRENTON - Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in securing a settlement with Paramount Skydance Corporation (Paramount), resolving the states' lawsuit alleging the merger of the entertainment giant and
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Davenport Announces Settlement in Warner Bros./Paramount Litigation
September 21, 2026
Proposed Consent Decree (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026.09.21-Paramount-Filed-Consent-Decree.pdf)
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TRENTON - Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in securing a settlement with Paramount Skydance Corporation (Paramount), resolving the states' lawsuit alleging the merger of the entertainment giant andWarner Bros. Discovery (Warner Bros.) would harm competition by lowering output and raising prices, hurting both workers and consumers in the process.
"This settlement includes key concessions designed to protect consumers from hikes to cable fees and workers and local businesses from cuts to film and TV production," said Attorney General Davenport. "We have been laser-focused on the interests of New Jersey's working families throughout, and the agreement our multistate coalition obtained here reflects that. We look forward to generations more of films and TV shows produced right here in the birthplace of the motion picture industry."
Today's settlement, pending approval by the court, includes a five-year court enforceable commitment to increase film output, a minimum of an additional $1.5 billion commitment to bolster domestic film production, a $47.5 million fund for workers who are impacted by the merger, and restrictions on how the company handles cable negotiations to help keep prices competitive.
In July, the coalition of attorneys general sued to challenge the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros., arguing the deal was illegal, likely to lessen competition, and threatened viewers with higher prices, the decline of theatrical exhibition of films, and a reduction in the variety, quality, and amount of content distributed.
Today's settlement includes:
An Annual Film Release Commitment: Paramount has agreed to a five-year term, where the merged company will commit to release:
* 30 films a year -- including 20 wide releases -- in the first two years
* 32 films a year -- with 21 wide releases -- in years three, four, and five
* Paramount commits to release at least four independent films in each year of the commitment period
If Paramount fails to meet this film output requirement in any year, the company will be required to divest Miramax Studios and must pay $30 million per missed film toward the health care and retirement trust funds associated with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), and other unions, toward the Motion Pictures & Television Fund, and to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) in support of antitrust enforcement.
Domestic Production: Paramount has agreed to bolster the merged company's U.S. film production and spend an at least additional $1.5 billion over five years over its 2025 U.S. spending levels. Importantly, this is a baseline. Right now, around 5% of all of Paramount's production is in the U.S. If a federal film tax credit of at least 20% is passed, production in the U.S. would need to increase to be 20% of all film production for years one and two and at least 30% of all film production for the remaining years. If, in addition to a federal tax credit, a more expansive state film tax credit is also passed in either California or New York, then production investment would need to increase to at least 40% of all film production being in the U.S instead of overseas. In addition, Paramount has committed to follow through on all existing development efforts, which includes major planned investments in New Jersey.
Independent Film Fund: The merged company will form and operate a fund for purchasing independent films and will make an annual contribution of $5 million per year, for a total of $25 million.
Protections for Workers: The merged company will commit $47.5 million in a workforce fund over five years for training and career development for workers who are displaced by the merger. The merged company must also honor previously established collective bargaining agreements and bargain in good faith with unions in years to come.
Cable Agreements: For five years, the merged company must conduct negotiations for Paramount basic cable channels independently from negotiations for Warner Bros. basic cable channels, preserving the existing competitive dynamic between the companies. Preserving competition helps to keep prices down for consumers. The merged company also must continue to offer a free streaming service, like Pluto TV, and maintain its current service and quality. Additionally, the company agrees to create an editorial-independence board for CNN and CBS.
Ongoing Monitoring: The company also agreed to appointment of an independent monitor to oversee its compliance with this agreement.
In securing this settlement, Attorney General Davenport joins the attorneys general of California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-announces-settlement-in-warner-bros-paramount-litigation/
N.H. A.G. Formella: New Hampshire Cold Case Unit Brings Together Investigators From Across New England to Strengthen Efforts to Solve Unsolved Cases
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Sept. 22 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit Brings Together Investigators from Across New England to Strengthen Efforts to Solve Unsolved Cases
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 New Hampshire Cold Case Seminar, an initiative led by the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit that brought together cold case investigators
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Sept. 22 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit Brings Together Investigators from Across New England to Strengthen Efforts to Solve Unsolved Cases
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 New Hampshire Cold Case Seminar, an initiative led by the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit that brought together cold case investigatorsfrom all six New England states to share investigative strategies, exchange expertise, and strengthen regional collaboration on unsolved cases.
Hosted at the Pembroke National Guard Readiness Center on Friday, September 18th, the one-day seminar focused on strengthening the vital cross-border collaboration necessary to advance complex, long-term unsolved cases. Governor Kelly Ayotte and Attorney General Formella provided opening remarks and a keynote address, emphasizing the state's unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims and their families.
"Achieving full participation from every New England state at this year's seminar is a testament to the shared dedication across our region to solving these challenging cases," said Attorney General Formella. "The collaboration and knowledge exchange that took place at this gathering are essential. When we pool our expertise, leverage emerging technologies, and break down jurisdictional barriers, we significantly increase our ability to uncover new leads and bring closure to families who have waited far too long."
The seminar featured a comprehensive agenda, designed to equip investigators with the latest advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques. Key presentations and training sessions included:
* The Role of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Unidentified Human Remains & Historical Cases, presented by Dr. Mitchell Weinberg (NH Deputy Chief Medical Examiner) and Laurel Elkin (NH Deputy Chief Forensic Investigator).
* Cold Case Studies by the FBI Boston Cold Case Team, led by FBI Tactical Specialist Rowan DiBartolomeo and FBI Intelligence Analyst Melissa Parisot.
* Presentations on innovative technologies, including Tranquility AI and the utilization of Othram in cold case investigations, presented by Samantha D. Payne.
* Case Reviews, by NH Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati and NH DOJ Investigator Daniel Mederos.
* In-depth discussions on Unidentified Remains & Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), with insights from Jennifer Randolph (Compass IGG & Advocacy), Dr. Amy Michael (Director of F.A.I.R. Lab), and NH State Police Det. Sgt. Mallory Littman (NH Cold Case Unit).
* A dedicated Case Presentation, led by NH DOJ Deputy Chief Investigator Todd Flanagan and NH Cold Case Unit Volunteer Thomas Hardy.
Commissioner Robert Quinn of the NH Department of Safety delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the critical need for continued inter-agency cooperation.
Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, Chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, reflected on the day's impact: "The presence of every New England Cold Case Unit here today sends a powerful message. It means that whether a case crosses a state line or spans decades, we have a unified, regional network ready to support the investigation. We are continually refining our tools, from genetic genealogy to advanced forensics, to ensure that no victim is forgotten."
Provide a Tip
Anyone with information regarding NH Cold Cases is urged to contact authorities. No detail is too small to be relevant:
* Cold Case Unit Tip Line: (603) 271-2663
* Email: coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov
* Online: Submit a tip at www.doj.nh.gov/criminal/cold-case
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-cold-case-unit-brings-together-investigators-across-new-england
Attorney General Mayes Demands Answers From Department of Homeland Security for Endangering Lives by Gutting Fentanyl Investigations
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 22 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Demands Answers from Department of Homeland Security for Endangering Lives by Gutting Fentanyl Investigations
September 21, 2026
PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today blasted the Department of Homeland Security for endangering the lives of Arizonans after its own Office of Inspector General found that the administration's mass deportation campaign gutted federal fentanyl investigations.
The August 20, 2026 OIG report (OIG-26-23) found a 31% drop in the hours
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 22 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Demands Answers from Department of Homeland Security for Endangering Lives by Gutting Fentanyl Investigations
September 21, 2026
PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today blasted the Department of Homeland Security for endangering the lives of Arizonans after its own Office of Inspector General found that the administration's mass deportation campaign gutted federal fentanyl investigations.
The August 20, 2026 OIG report (OIG-26-23) found a 31% drop in the hoursHomeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents spent on fentanyl criminal investigations. Immigration enforcement hours at the same agency rose more than 800%. Between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, immigration hours jumped from roughly 207,000 to nearly 2 million, while fentanyl hours fell from about 824,000 to under 570,000. Shockingly, at one HSI office, agents spent 99% of their time on immigration, "leaving almost no capacity for fentanyl investigations."
"The Trump administration calls fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction but has pulled its agents and investigators who are supposed to be dismantling drug rings off their cases to chase landscapers and maids around our cities," said Attorney General Mayes. "This is a massive betrayal of every family that has buried a loved one after a fentanyl overdose. The Arizona Attorney General's Office fights the drug cartels every day and we will continue to do so as long as I'm Attorney General. The federal government has apparently given up on this critical fight."
The administration has designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Its staffing decisions tell a different story. Fewer agents means fewer undercover operations, less financial tracing and fewer intercepted communications aimed at the networks that move the drug. The inspector general itself warned that failing to address these problems "may lead to an increase in illicit fentanyl available to the public and additional overdose deaths."
The damage extends beyond fentanyl. A November 2025 New York Times investigation found HSI agents spent 33% fewer hours on child exploitation cases from February to April than in prior years, the fewest in more than a decade.
DHS and ICE concurred with the OIG's findings and recommendations to address these dangerous issues, but have given themselves until June 30, 2027 to "determine and implement next steps."
"Arizonans need a federal government committed to keeping them safe today, not by the end of June next year," continued Mayes. "My office will keep doing everything in our power to disrupt and dismantle transnational drug and human trafficking operations while the federal government surrenders the fight to transnational criminal organziations."
Attorney General Mayes demands that DHS:
* Immediately restore HSI agent hours to fentanyl investigations in Arizona and across the country.
* Provide detailed answers, well before June 2027, showing how agent time is needed to match the actual threat from illicit fentanyl shipments through Arizona.
* Provide detailed answers on how many drug trafficking and child exploitation cases were ignored or unexamined in Arizona during the period where resources have been diverted for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
"Over half the fentanyl seized every year in this country is seized in Arizona," said Attorney General Mayes. "Arizonans cannot afford a federal government who ignores these life and death threats to public safety because it would rather use the federal law enforcement apparatus to harass and intimidate immigrants instead."
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-demands-answers-department-homeland-security-endangering-lives
