Letter: Sheriffs in South Carolina’s Third District Stand with Sheri Biggs

Dear Editor,

Every law enforcement officer understands that decisions made in Washington do not necessarily stay in Washington. When federal leaders fail to secure the border, weaken immigration enforcement, or let dangerous offenders fall through the cracks, the consequences eventually reach our counties. We see them in fentanyl, illegal immigration, repeat offenders, and criminal networks that bring drugs into our communities. Those are the problems we face every single day. 

That is why it matters when a member of Congress takes the time to listen to local law enforcement. Congresswoman Sheri Biggs has done that. She has been here on the ground, heard directly from sheriffs, and treated our concerns like they matter. She understands that those decisions matter here at home: in our jails, on our roads, and in the calls our deputies’ answer. When the border is not secure, when fentanyl moves across the country, and when repeat offenders are not held accountable, local law enforcement is left to deal with the consequences. 

The border may feel far from South Carolina, but the problems tied to it do not stay there. Drugs, trafficking, and criminal networks move through highways, towns, and neighborhoods far from where they first entered the country. We as sheriffs see that reality up close. So do families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl and officers who are asked to confront increasingly violent situations.

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Sheri understands that connection. She supported the Laken Riley Act law, which requires federal immigration officers to detain illegal immigrants charged with crimes like theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or causing serious bodily injury. She has also introduced the Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act and the No Passports for Terrorists and Traffickers Act. That matters to us because law enforcement works best when every level of government takes public safety seriously.

Just as important, Sheri has been present here at home. She has met with each of our county sheriffs’ offices, listened to what we are seeing in our communities, and shown respect for the deputies who do the job every day. We know the difference between someone who talks about law enforcement and someone who takes the time to understand what our officers are facing. 

Our deputies do hard work. They respond to domestic violence calls. They handle overdoses. They stop dangerous drivers. They serve warrants. They comfort families after tragedy. They miss dinners, holidays, and ballgames because someone in the county needs help. They deserve leaders who understand that work and are willing to stand with them.

We need leaders in Washington who listen to sheriffs, support deputies, secure the border, and put the safety of our communities first. Sheri has shown us that she understands the job local law enforcement is doing and the challenges our communities are facing.

That is why we stand with Congresswoman Sheri Biggs in her re-election to Congress. 

Signed,

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SOUND OFF…

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