Western States Sheriff Association applauds DeSantis efforts against illegal immigration

By Amber Jo Cooper

Published Jul. 7, 2023, 9:44 a.m. ET | Updated Jul. 7, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis makes campaign stop in Eagle Pass, Texas, June 26, 2023. (Photo/Team DeSantis)

LARAMIE, Wyo. (FLV) – The Western States Sheriff Association released a resolution applauding Gov. Ron DeSantis as his efforts to slow the influx of illegal immigration.

The resolution said a small coalition of governors, led by DeSantis, “recognized the gravity of the tragedy along the southwest border and have come together to collectively share information, resources and personnel to create safer communities, combat the movement of drugs and slow the influx of illegal immigration.”

In June, DeSantis announced a coalition of more than 90 U.S. sheriffs who believe they must step in to stop the border crisis’ effects at the local level because the federal government “has failed in its responsibilities.”

“We recognize and applaud the leadership exerted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Governors of Texas, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Idaho in working in a cooperative and meticulous manner to partner with Sheriffs in the interest of public safety,” the resolution continued.

The resolution said the sheriffs “continue to witness the failures of the federal government in carrying out its responsibilities to both upholding the oath they swore to and upholding the rule of law specific to securing our nations borders.”

They said the consequences of the federal government’s “inaction” are “being felt across the nation.”

During the 2022 fiscal year, encounters have reached record numbers and encounters in 2023 are 20% higher, the release said.

“Illegal Immigration has not only ravaged communities along the southern border, it has harmed states across the country with the deadly influx of cartel-trafficked fentanyl and higher rates of violent crime,” DeSantis previously said.

“I’m proud to work with this growing group of law enforcement leaders and bring Florida’s dedicated resources and leadership to bear on this national problem,” the governor said.

Last month, DeSantis said Florida will begin offering training on criminal interdictions and battling drug dealing to other law enforcement agencies nationwide.

“We have developed a training program that we believe will help law enforcement across the country mimic some of the success that we’ve had in Florida and also help to train more boots on the ground,” DeSantis said in June.