In Arizona, Gallego Meets with Workers, Manufacturers, First Responders and Community Leaders

Senator Gallego also visits AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, met with firefighters, and attend the Coconino Couty State Fair ARIZONA— This past weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) conducted congressional oversight at the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, attended Labor Day celebrations, and met with Valley residents and small businesses before heading to Flagstaff to attend the Coconino County State Fair. Gallego began Thursday morning by meeting with officials and touring the AROCC Mesa Gateway ICE Facility, where he focused on strengthening congressional oversight, increasing transparency into ICE’s operations, and ensuring humane standards and accountability in federal immigration enforcement. Following the tour, Gallego traveled to ISOLA HQ in Chandler, a manufacturer of components essential to printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the visit, the senator highlighted his bipartisan Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, which would help ensure we have the domestic capacity of PCBs to match the output of semiconductors made in America and shore up a critical component of the national security supply chain. Senator Gallego Tours Isola in Chandler, AZ “[The work ISOLA HQ does] is very important because we have this global competition against China,” said Senator Gallego. “There’s only a certain number of manufacturers and suppliers that can meet the demand we need when it comes to high-tech military technology. That’s why supporting these American companies, making sure they stay in American hands, remain innovative, and are able to grow is very important—not just for our economy, but for our national security.” Afterwards, Gallego visited the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler to tour their semiconductor manufacturing operations. Intel’s investment in Arizona is estimated to support 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 7,000 construction jobs thanks to smart industrial policies like the CHIPS and Science Act. Senator Gallego meets with Intel Ocotillo leadership on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 Gallego also stopped at Latina and family-owned restaurant, Elmer’s Tacos , located in Chandler. After ordering lunch, Gallego met co-owner Lisa Cuen-Rodriguez and presented her with a certificate of recognition and spoke about the challenges of small business ownership. Senator Gallego presents a certificate of recognition to Elmer’s Tacos co-owner Lisa Cuen-Rodriguez On Friday, the senator participated in a Labor Day appreciation visit with workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He met with airport workers, thanked them for their contributions, and recognized the essential role they play in keeping Arizona’s transportation infrastructure and economy moving. He also spoke at the Arizona AFL-CIO’s Labor Day lunch, telling union members, “America needs a strong labor force, the backbone of a functioning society. Together, we must strengthen the ability of working people to build a middle-class life. They deserve an economy that works for them too.” He continued: “Thank you to the labor unions who continue to demand a fair deal. Thank you to the millions of people who get up every morning, go to work, take care of their families and keep our communities and our country moving.” Senator Gallego meets with workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Also, on Friday, Gallego visited Valley Metro’s Operations and Maintenance Center in Phoenix. While there, he toured the facility and met with the Valley Metro Team and Board Members. After, he congratulated Valley Metro for being named “2026 Outstanding Public Transportation System” by the American Public Transportation Association and gave them a framed congratulatory letter. Gallego then attended a gathering of the Alzheimer’s Association Arizona Chapter, where they discussed the ASAP Act, which Senator Gallego cosponsored. He heard from volunteer advocates about their experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and the needs of Arizona families and caregivers, while learning more about the Chapter’s local initiatives and efforts to support patients. “The ASAP Act is giving patients more time with their loved ones. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association toward a future where families no longer have to live with the devastating impact of this disease — and where we ultimately find a cure,” said Senator Gallego. On Saturday, Senator Gallego met with firefighters from the Coconino National Forest and received a briefing on ongoing wildland firefighting efforts. He also participated in a demonstration focused on wildfire response and forest restoration on public lands, and discussed next steps Congress can take to strengthen wildfire prevention and preparedness. Senator Gallego and his family meets with firefighters Gallego ended the state trip attending the Coconino County State Fair where he met with Coconino County Board Chair Patrice Hortsman and Vice-Chair Jeronimo Vasquez. They discussed the need to preserve access to critical rural health care for Coconino County residents amid Medicare cuts, as well as efforts to strengthen the region’s economy as recent wildfires, flooding, and staffing cuts at Grand Canyon National Park have impacted tourism revenue. Senator Gallego used the visit to meeting local vendors and small business owners, while enjoying the Fort Tuthill Military History Museum and with his family. Senator Gallego attends the Coconino County State Fair