BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Nine North Dakota Sheriffs and two Sheriff’s deputies traveled to Washington D.C. last week to join 190 other Sheriff’s for a two-day border security and safe security conference.
During White House briefings, Sheriffs heard from key leaders from Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Border Patrol, and Immigration Customs and Enforcement. Updates were given on border security, policy changes to secure unauthorized crossing areas along the southern border and actions to address loopholes in the immigration system.
Kellyanne Conway and others from the DEA provided information on drug control enforcement with a focus on opioids and fentanyl.
“Hearing from these top officials on the drug issues across the country and what is being done at the national level, was very informative,” said Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben.
“From the top down, it is evident that these issues which are a concern to us are also a concern to the President and his Administration. They are committed to reducing drug addiction and drug trafficking.”
Sheriff’s also met with Senator Hoeven, Senator Cramer and Representative Armstrong to not only discuss secure borders and safe communities but other law enforcement issues such as drugs and gun control measures.
“We heard about many federal efforts to re-direct personnel to the southern border. We stressed the need to ensure this does not impact the protection and resources currently utilized on our northern border,” said Grand Forks County Sheriff Andy Schneider.
“We are one of the states farthest away from the southern border, but nearly every county has been impacted by this issue,” said Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser. “We are seeing an increase in drugs into our area coming from Mexico along with other incidents where illegal immigrants are arrested for criminal activities. This is a national security issue.”
Those who attended from North Dakota include:
Sheriff Steve Rohr, Benson County
Sheriff Sarah Warner, Hettinger County
Sheriff Pat Rummel, Billings County
Sheriff Laurie Spitzer, McIntosh County
Sheriff Kelly Leben, Burleigh County
Sheriff Steve Nelson, Ramsey County
Sheriff Gary Kuhn, Dunn County Deputy Chris Redmann Sioux County
Sheriff Andy Schneider & Deputy Joel Lloyd, Grand Forks County
Sheriff Chad Kaiser, Stutsman County
Below are photos from the week courtesy of Joyce N. Boghosian and others.
