Ciscomani Highlights Federal Support for ATF K-9 Operations in Southern Arizona

September 30, 2026 Press Release 'Yesterday’s demonstration was a powerful reminder of the tools available to our law enforcement officers as they intercept explosives and drugs across the country.' Tucson, AZ - Representative Juan Ciscomani got a first-hand look at the important work done by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including a demonstration from an eager four-legged "agent" named Kali. At the Tucson Police Department’s Rillito Police Station, the congressman witnessed Kali’s work in a live explosives detection demonstration, highlighting the vital role highly trained K-9s play in helping federal and local agencies detect explosives and narcotics and keep Southern Arizona communities safe. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand how K-9s like Kali are safeguarding Americans," said Representative Ciscomani. "Yesterday’s demonstration was a powerful reminder of the tools available to our law enforcement officers as they intercept explosives and drugs across the country. Witnessing the strong partnership between federal and local law enforcement and seeing what’s being done at the federal level to address threats and keep Southern Arizona communities safe, was an invaluable experience." The demonstration also underscored the broader mission of the ATF, a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for combating violent crime involving the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and arson. In partnership with federal, Arizona state, and local law enforcement agencies, the ATF employs crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and targeted investigations to identify violent offenders, disrupt firearms trafficking networks, and prevent dangerous weapons and explosives from reaching communities. "We thank Representative Ciscomani for his continued interest in ATF's K-9 programs and for taking the time to meet and see this work firsthand. Our K-9 teams play a vital role in helping law enforcement detect and recover fired cartridge casings from shooting scenes, crime guns, and explosives materials," said SAC A.J. Gibes, ATF Phoenix Field Division. "This, along with ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program, helps law enforcement solve firearm related crimes and keep communities across Southern Arizona safe. We appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate these capabilities and highlight the important partnership between federal and local law enforcement." This partnership is key to enhancing the security and well-being of Southern Arizona and communities nationwide. As part of his ongoing commitment to public safety, earlier this year Representative Ciscomani supported $1.3 billion in funding for the ATF through the FY27 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill which provides critical resources for the agency’s operations, including K-9 training programs, personnel, and support for both federal and local law enforcement. In Congress, Representative Ciscomani continues to build bridges across the political aisle by backing efforts that strengthen public safety and support local veterans. Notably, he has been one of the most vocal supporters of H.R. 2605, the bipartisan Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, which would expand access to service dogs for veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related conditions. Image