Six months ago, Irina Zalutka, a Ukrainian refugee, was tragically murdered on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is quite close to my district. Her assailant, DeCarlos Brown Jr., had a lengthy criminal history and should have never been roaming the streets. This incident has highlighted the dire consequences of crime reduction policies in cities governed by Democrats, where offenders often evade accountability and victims endure the fallout.
In his first year in office, President Donald Trump tackled this flawed strategy directly. During tonight’s State of the Union address, he will justifiably recognize strides made toward fulfilling his pledge to enhance safety in America so that individuals like Irina won’t have to fear for their lives while using public transport.
Recent surveys indicate that a whopping 81% of Americans view crime as a pressing issue in their cities. President Trump has shown results: predictions suggest murder rates could see significant decreases in 35 of America’s largest cities by 2025 reach. This represents the biggest single-year drop on record, with declines in various violent crime categories.
Nevertheless, ongoing challenges exist in Blue Run City, where sanctuary policies, lenient sentencing, and hesitance to enforce laws put communities in jeopardy. Repeated offenders are often let go due to policies that seem to favor them over law-abiding citizens. In Charlotte, where Democratic leadership prevails, high-profile incidents like Irina’s murder have escalated public fear. The local Fraternal Order of Police has warned that the state is short nearly 300 officers and has requested National Guard support.
The core issue is unmistakable. If the consequences for crime are weak, criminal activity will flourish. This is why President Trump is spearheading a movement to cut funding to sanctuary cities that fail to protect their residents and instead shield those who break the law. Taxpayer money should not support places that prioritize political agendas over community safety.
I’ve observed the impacts firsthand in my district. Charlotte’s Uptown area is dealing with ongoing safety concerns, including robberies and violent incidents, which necessitate a more robust response. Irina’s pointless death might have been prevented with better enforcement and accountability, yet Democratic leaders have not addressed the issue.
Rep. Mark Harris (R-North Carolina) speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
President Trump is fulfilling his commitment to “make America safe again.” His decision to deploy the National Guard to cities, including our capital, has led to a notable reduction in crime. In Washington DC, data shows that between 2024 and 2025, homicides are expected to drop by around 40%, with even lower rates anticipated in early 2026. Many major cities are witnessing similar trends, contributing to a national improvement.
We must remain supportive of law enforcement, uphold legal standards, and ensure criminals face consequences. Cities that neglect federal immigration laws and fail to safeguard their residents should lose federal funding, which is precisely what President Trump advocates for. I strongly back him in this endeavor.
President Trump is meeting his constitutional duty to enforce the law diligently and assure safety for all Americans. It’s remarkable that strong national leadership was necessary to address the issues that local Democratic mayors had long overlooked.
Congress needs to solidify these achievements by promoting policies that prioritize community protection, respect for police, and the interests of law-abiding citizens. Together, we will continue our efforts to restore safety across America.
Congressman Mark Harris represents North Carolina’s 8th District and serves on the House Judiciary, Education and Labor Committee, and Agriculture Committee.
