Jonathan Lines shares his experience with Charlie Kirk in Yuma
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Political activist Charlie Kirk made a visit to Yuma ahead of the 2024 presidential election, deepening his understanding of the city’s role as a critical point along the U.S.-Mexico border and as a major agricultural hub.
During his second trip, Kirk was hosted by Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who provided insight into what the region faces with border security. Kirk talked to other locals about the city’s agriculture.
“He was here to learn,” said Lines. “He asked questions about everything that we had been subjected to with open borders and he also sat down with some of the farmers from Yuma Fresh Vegetables.”
Lines brought Kirk to several key points along the border where issues like human trafficking and narcotics smuggling remain ongoing concerns.
“I think that really galvanized what he saw as far as illegal immigration or illegal entry into the United States,” Lines noted.
Lines expressed concern that, based on trends seen online, tensions around free speech could escalate further. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue.
“Our First Amendment is critical, and I’ll defend anybody’s right, but we’ve got to tone it down, and we’ve got to learn how to talk to each other again,” Lines said. “That’s one thing we do in Yuma remarkably well. Where we have disagreements, we’re still able to sit down and work things out.”
Kirk’s recent trip to Yuma occurred just a couple months before the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the city’s growing significance in national political discussions around border policy and civic discourse.