WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) applauds the decision by the Biden administration to appoint Chairman Peter Yucupicio of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. of the Tohono O’odham Nation as inaugural members of the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council (THSAC).

“The need for tribal input is significant and the appointments of Chairman Yucupicio and Chairman Norris to THASC is the first of many steps to ensure tribal sovereignty and tribal consultation are at the forefront of border management. Tribal border issues are one of the many issues these tribal leaders have expertise in and can address in the inaugural THASC,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I congratulate Chairs Yucupicio and Norris on their appointments and look forward to continuing our partnership as we work to safeguard sacred cultural sites, protect our nation’s southern border’s environmental habitats, and end the increasing militarization of border communities.”

The THSAC will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary, through engagement with DHS components, agencies, and offices, and by producing recommendations, studies, reports, and more. More information on the THSAC can be found here.