In a heartfelt plea from a local law enforcement leader, concerns over the future administration’s impact on state safety and law enforcement were voiced loudly in Milwaukee.
According to the Dailywire, Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt recently expressed dire concerns at a House Judiciary Committee hearing that a non-Trump win could worsen Wisconsin's existing law enforcement struggles, particularly related to drug trafficking and a border crisis.
Serving as the president of the Badger State Sheriffs Association, Sheriff Schmidt provided a voice for many worried law enforcement officials across the state. His testimony drew attention to the sharp increase in drug trafficking problems in Dodge County, which he attributed to Mexican cartels.
Rising Crime and Safety Concerns
In Milwaukee, while addressing politicians and the public, Schmidt depicted a grim picture where personal and professional safety is at continuous risk due to the expanding grip of cartel influence in Wisconsin. These cartels are not only increasing drug circulation but are also challenging the capacity of local law enforcement.
“People don’t understand how bad it is,” Schmidt remarked, echoing the fears of law enforcement colleagues across the region.
During traffic stops, encounters with individuals who possess no valid licenses or IDs have become increasingly common, further complicating daily police operations. The sheriff’s statement highlighted the need for enhanced federal intervention at the southern border to curb these issues.
Tony Addresses Operational Strains
Acknowledging similar challenges, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney spoke on the alarming rise in drug trafficking in his jurisdiction. He elaborated on the operational challenges, noting that illegal immigrant arrests were leading to a significant straining of local jail capacities, potentially necessitating new jail constructions.
Not to be overlooked are the staggering casualty figures associated with the drug crisis; Schmidt highlighted that approximately 1,500 Wisconsin residents succumb annually to fentanyl poisoning. These figures not only illustrate the scale of the crisis but also underscore the urgency for robust interventions.
Both witnesses lamented the notable absence of Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin at the hearing while expressing gratitude towards the present Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) for his attention to this pressing issue.
Election Implications on Border Control
The 2024 election has become a pivotal battleground where border control and law enforcement issues are taking center stage, emphasized further by Senate candidate Eric Hovde’s campaign narratives. Both Donald Trump and Hovde have been vocal about the need for stringent border policies.
Sheriff Dale Schmidt emphasized, “I would love to put up a border around Dodge County or around the state of Wisconsin but we need the federal government to do that at our southern border.” This statement not only reflects his desperation but also a call for national-level strategic changes.
Sheriff Dale Schmidt, embodying the fears and challenges faced by law enforcement due to increased criminal activities and a failing border policy, expressed profound personal concerns. He said, “I’m fearful for my family. I’m fearful for the family of those that serve with me.”
These testimonies not only highlight the critical need for focused federal attention but also resonate with a broader concern among first responders across the state, who look towards the election results with both hope and apprehension.
As community safety continues to be imperiled by drug trafficking and related criminal activities, the forthcoming election could indeed shape the trajectory of law enforcement and border safety in Wisconsin, making it a crucial determinant of both policy and protection in the years to come.
