Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for January 24, 2025. This is Dr Currie Myers with some interesting criminal justice news and events that have occurred in the United States recently.
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Here are my pressing issues that I have offered an opinion on as an applied criminologist, ethicist and career law enforcement officer at the local, state, and federal level:
On Tuesday, January 22 I was the Guest Host for the Lou Desmond & Company Show out of San Bernardino, California which serves the incredible California Inland Empire. By guest, during this drive time slot, was Cybersecurity Guru Morgan Wright. Morgan is an internationally recognized expert on cybersecurity strategy, cyberterrorism, national security, and intelligence. He is a Senior Fellow at The Center for Digital Government, Chief Security Advisor for SentinelOne, and the chief technology analyst for Fox News and Fox Business. Our discussion was on Donald Trump's "Stargate" project, which was announced during his campaign for the 2024 presidential election but was placed into action on this day with a big announcement at the White House. Stargate is a visionary initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and fostering technological innovation across sectors like national security, healthcare, and space exploration. The project envisions AI as a cornerstone for ensuring American leadership in emerging technologies, enhancing national defense, and streamlining industries such as manufacturing and logistics. A key element of Stargate is its focus on deregulation to promote private-sector innovation while investing in AI-driven advancements in military applications, cybersecurity, health care, and economic growth. We discussed the impact of this project in all those areas including the impact on criminal justice. It was a fascinating show!
This week I opined that America’s sheriffs occupy a unique position in the criminal justice system. As elected officials, sheriffs serve as a critical link between the communities they represent and the enforcement of the law. Their statutory independence from other branches of government positions them as a formidable force in shaping local criminal justice policies and initiatives. Under the Trump Administration’s philosophy of public safety which centers on pro-gun rights, focused deterrence, correctional reform, and stricter immigration enforcement, America’s sheriffs can play a pivotal role in advancing these objectives. Unlike police chiefs, who are often appointed and operate under city councils or mayors, sheriffs are elected by their constituents. This autonomy allows them to operate independently of partisan politics and implement policies that align with their communities’ needs. For those sheriffs this independence is a crucial tool for adopting his policies at the county level, setting a precedent for state and federal reforms. America’s sheriffs have a unique opportunity to champion the Trump Administration’s vision for a safer, more secure nation. Their statutory independence, coupled with their direct control over county-level law enforcement and corrections, allows them to implement policies that align with Trump’s philosophies on gun rights, focused deterrence, correctional reform, and immigration enforcement. By taking bold steps to adopt these initiatives, sheriffs can set an example for the rest of the country, demonstrating that local leadership can drive meaningful change. In doing so, they not only enhance public safety but also reaffirm their commitment to the values of their communities and the principles of justice. In the end, the partnership between America’s sheriffs and the Trump Administration’s criminal justice vision is not just about policy, it is about protecting the American dream. By working together, they can ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to live in a safe and prosperous nation, free from the fear of crime and the chaos of lawlessness. Make America’s Sheriffs Great Again and may God Bless them with courage and leadership!
I also opined on Sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, have been a hotbed of controversy for years. Proponents argue they foster trust between immigrant communities and local police, while opponents see them as a shield for criminal illegal aliens. However, these policies carry grave implications, particularly when they obstruct federal agents’ efforts to arrest dangerous individuals. When sanctuary policies result in harm to federal agents, it raises a critical question: should Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code be employed to hold police chiefs, sheriffs, and elected officials accountable. Section 1983 provides a legal pathway for individuals to sue state or local government officials for violating constitutional or federally protected rights. Historically, it has been used to address abuses like police misconduct and denial of due process. However, its application to sanctuary policies represents uncharted legal territory that deserves exploration. A proactive effort to test the application of Section 1983 against sanctuary city officials is not just a legal exercise—it is a moral imperative. Federal agents risk their lives daily to protect our nation. Policies that knowingly obstruct their ability to perform their duties safely are not merely political statements; they are potential acts of negligence.
Consider the broader implications. If local officials face no accountability for sanctuary policies that lead to preventable harm, it sends a dangerous message that political ideology trumps public safety. Accountability is essential to restore a balance between local autonomy and federal responsibility. Sanctuary cities cannot be allowed to operate as de facto havens for criminal activity, especially when the consequences extend beyond their jurisdictions. Using Section 1983 in this context shifts the narrative. Sanctuary policy is often discussed in terms of immigration and human rights, but the conversation must also include its impact on public safety and federal law enforcement. Federal agents, like all public servants, deserve workplace protections and the assurance that policies at the state or local level will not unnecessarily endanger them. Congress and the courts must not shy away from addressing this issue. Advocacy groups, legal scholars, and policymakers should explore legislative clarifications or judicial precedents to pave the way for Section 1983 claims in sanctuary-related cases. Even unsuccessful lawsuits can raise public awareness and force local officials to confront the real-world consequences of their policies. In an era of increasing polarization, where political decisions often come at the expense of public safety, holding officials accountable is more critical than ever. Sanctuary policies must not become a shield for negligence. Federal agents and the American people deserve better.
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Okay here is my five-minute blitz on CJ News and Information for this week:
President Donald Trump said he plans to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene more than 120 days after the storm struck the state. "I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," Trump told reporters in North Carolina on Friday morning. "I think, frankly, FEMA is not good. Trump also promised his administration would step in and assist North Carolina to fix the damage quickly, vowing to "do a good job" for the state. "We're going to fix it, and we're going to fix it as fast as you can," Trump said. "It's a massive amount of damage. FEMA has really let us down. Let the country down. And I don't know if that's Biden's fault or whose fault it is, but we're going to take over. We're going to do a good job."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey softened her tone on the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigrants, supporting the removal of criminal aliens. When the Democrat governor was asked about recent arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the city, she said she “wouldn’t describe them as raids.” "What it seems to be, and what we expected and what I support, which is the apprehension of criminals [regardless of their immigration status] in our communities,” Healey told WCVB. Border czar Tom Homan said the administration will target "the worst first" but will also make "collateral arrests" of illegal immigrants who may be with an ICE target when authorities make an arrest.
Within moments of returning to the Oval Office on Monday, President Donald Trump got to work signing a flurry of executive orders. One of them is focused on "protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other national security and public safety threats." "It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes," the order states. That's bad news for pro-terrorist visas holders causing trouble on college campuses by advocating for terrorist organizations like Hamas. "The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take immediate steps to exclude or remove that alien unless she determines that doing so would inhibit a significant pending investigation or prosecution of the alien for a serious criminal offense or would be contrary to the national security interests of the United States," the order states. Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department focus on visa reform, specifically for countries hostile to American values, which is made clear in the order.
President Donald Trump is making good on his promise to secure the nation’s southern border. In his inauguration speech, he declared that illegal immigration was a national emergency. Now, he is sending 1,500 active duty Marines to the border, and put an additional 10,000 service members on alert. Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses says that the troops will be flying helicopters to assist Border Patrol agents, as well as constructing barriers. The military will also supply aircraft for the Department of Homeland Security to fly detained illegal immigrants out of the country.
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This is Dr Currie Myers, America’s Criminologist. To view my work please visit drcurriemyers.substack.com and please share and like our page! And please remember my friends at Howard Wagyu for some of the best beef in America. Howard Wagyu, Kansas homegrown Wagyu Beef so tender you can cut your steak with a fork! Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Dr C
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