On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance criticized so-called “sanctuary” states and city leaders, as well as what he termed “weak-willed” officials who claim to enforce the law effectively.
“The Trump administration will not tolerate anyone who seeks to defund, dismantle, or diminish the role of our law enforcement heroes,” Vance stated during a speech at the Capitol to commemorate the 44th annual National Peace Officer’s Service Ceremony.
“President Trump and his administration are filled with strong leaders, and we simply cannot accept weak local leaders who allow minor crimes to fester in our communities,” he added.
He expressed disapproval of those who break immigration laws or abandon their cities to groups like Antifa. Last month, Trump issued an executive order warning that federal funds might be cut off in 30 days if sanctuary jurisdictions fail to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
The order also empowered Attorney General Pam Bondy and other department leaders to boost federal funding for the legal defense of officers and to enhance their salaries.
During the ceremony, Vance commemorated the officers who had died in the line of duty, alongside Bondi, FBI director Kash Patel, and border security official Tom Homan.
He mentioned the tragic case of veteran St. Louis police officer David Lee, who was killed last September by illegal immigrants driving under the influence.
Vance’s remarks included, “The far-left prosecutor has gained power through a billionaire-funded election cycle.” He continued, “I believe Americans decisively rejected the ‘defund the police’ movement last November, using Donald J. Trump as a catalyst for that change.” He asserted that such ideas have no place in the country anymore.
Earlier Thursday, at a breakfast event at the Naval Observatory, Vance honored a retired Ohio deputy who was fatally attacked by criminals while managing traffic near the University of Cincinnati on May 2.
“Larry Henderson dedicated his life to keeping people safe,” Vance remarked. “When considering why such a senseless crime occurred, we must hold accountable those who commit these acts.” He also pointed out the shared responsibility of American leaders who have long opposed police officers, in contrast to the dedicated civil servants they truly are.
The suspect, Rodney Hinton, has been charged with aggravated murder. Hinton reportedly confronted Henderson after police shot his 18-year-old son on May 1 while he was involved in an investigation of a stolen vehicle. Hinton has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has since proposed a bill in Henderson’s memory that would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years for assaults on federal officers, a significant increase from the current minimum of eight years.
