By: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel

In Saturday’s edition of a local paper, activists attacked Sheriffs Dan Abbot and Chuck Heit for speaking at an event highlighting community safety and border security. Southwest Michigan is truly blessed to have leaders like Sheriffs Abbot and Heit who stand strong to keep our communities safe against violent crime, deadly drugs, and human trafficking.

Instead of letting emotion dictate the argument over illegal immigration, let’s look at facts:

• In Van Buren County, 40% of the jail population is made up of out-of-county criminals, a notable portion have addresses from Mexico and Guatemala.
• Also in Van Buren County, a heist tied to an illegal immigrant where over $700,000 was stolen made national news.
• In Oakland County, South American Gangs are targeting neighborhoods previously considered “safe” for theft and vandalism.
• In St. Joseph County, an illegal immigrant was arrested for home invasion and sexual assault of two young girls under 13.
• In 2023 alone, more than 27,000 pounds of deadly fentanyl was seized at the border, and approximately 3,000 Michiganders die every year due to this deadly drug.

These are just a few examples of skyrocketing crime thanks to the Biden-Whitmer border fiasco.  What are Lansing Democrats doing about the problem? They’re burying their heads in the sand, gaslighting Michigan residents by pretending sanctuary cities don’t exist, and pushing dangerous legislation that lets violent criminals, rapists, murderers, and drug dealers out of prison early. 

Now more than ever, we need to stand behind law enforcement.  Thank you, Sheriff Abbott and Sheriff Heit, for standing strong for our residents and speaking up about keeping our communities safe.