Vance links immigration and crime at Milwaukee bus stop

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance recently made headlines during his campaign at the Milwaukee Police Association, where he linked illegal immigration to crime rates across the country.

Vance accused Vice President Kamala Harris of complicity in making police “work harder” because of current border policies. Without further elaboration, he claimed that “millions of dollars” were being spent on sheltering and medical care for undocumented migrants instead of on local law enforcement.

His comments were accompanied by posters reading “Back The Blue,” as the police union officially endorsed the Trump-Vance ticket.

Vance stressed the urgency of immigration issues, saying, “When you hear Republicans say every state is a border state, that’s not just rhetoric; it’s reality,” referring to the widespread activity of drug cartels even in northern states.

The endorsement from the Milwaukee police union marked Vance’s second visit to Wisconsin since being nominated for the Republican vice presidency, underscoring the state’s critical role in the upcoming national election.

Harris is looking to mobilize his supporters soon, reflecting the competitive atmosphere in which both parties are ramping up their efforts to influence voters.

During his roughly 20-minute speech, Vance openly criticized the Biden-Harris administration and its handling of border and crime issues, emphasizing that Republicans are more committed to law enforcement.

Vance shifted blame from Biden’s Democrats to Harris, implying that her policies were making communities unsafe, even affecting areas “as far north as Wisconsin,” he said.

He stated: “Public safety is at the top of the list,” highlighting the perceived shortcomings of the current government.

When asked about his previous comments about various immigrant groups, Vance referenced the classic film “Gangs of New York” to highlight the rising crime rates in ethnic enclaves. However, studies show that immigrants do not commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born Americans.

Vance’s defense of Trump’s personal attacks on Harris underscored the volatile nature of campaign politics.

Despite questions about whether such attacks should focus more on policy, Vance said, “My only advice to my running mate is: be yourself,” demonstrating his commitment to their current strategy.

While Vance dismissed as uninfluential the polls that indicated Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, was more favorable, he defended Trump’s agenda even amid mounting criticism from Democrats.

Republicans often claim to be the party of law and order. Yet Democrats have vigorously challenged this rhetoric.

Before Vance’s speech, former police officer Harry Dunn raised eyebrows by pointing to Trump’s convictions, highlighting the irony of police officers siding with Trump.

Dunn pointed to the serious injuries officers sustained during the January 6 Capitol riots, drawing a connection between Trump’s actions and the outcome, and questioning the support of the police union.

He said, “This is not the right thing for this country, and it is not the right thing for public safety,” echoing Democratic criticism of the Trump campaign.

With Milwaukee’s crime rate dropping, County Executive David Crowley praised the Biden administration’s support for the pandemic but dismissed the idea of returning to Trump’s policies.

Crowley warned against “going back to chaos,” strengthening the argument for retaining the current leadership as elections approach.

After his speech, Vance continued his campaign and visited Sobelman’s Pub and Grill, where he spoke with guests who were surprised by his impromptu visit.

During his visit, customer Lance Wagner expressed his support for Trump and Vance, emphasizing their shared views on immigration and the economy.

Vance’s rhetoric frames the current state of immigration and border policy as central issues heading into the November election, and he ties these issues specifically to crime.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris’ broader role on immigration has come under scrutiny since she took office, with critics calling her the “border czar.”

Her focus on addressing the root causes of migration by improving conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras led Republicans to shift blame away from her, especially as migrant apprehensions rose.

Harris’ diplomatic efforts have led to some reductions, but the impact of her initiatives remains a matter of debate, especially as recent polls show disapproval of the Biden administration’s handling of immigration.

While migration from the three aforementioned Central American countries has declined since Biden’s presidency, challenges from other countries significantly complicate the picture.

Harris’ role included traveling to Central America, increasing U.S. aid and discouraging dangerous migrant travel, but her position has been criticized over rising numbers of migrants at the border.

With the Biden administration under fire for record arrests, the political burden has grown significantly heavier as Harris seeks the presidential nomination.

She has articulated her position as someone with experience as a prosecutor and attorney general, and is prepared to push for stricter border rules if she wins the nomination.

Discussions about her role have intensified recently, especially as Trump attacks Harris over her perceived handling of border security.

Republicans have sought to leverage her position as the Biden administration grapples with voter sentiment on immigration policy.

The situation at the border remains a challenge for Biden and Harris, who are trying to balance tough enforcement with a compassionate immigration policy.

As both parties prepare for elections, debates over immigration strategies are critical not only to voter perceptions but also to shaping future policy.

Harris’ controversial recommendation to deny potential migrants entry into the U.S. was based on the administration’s overarching approach to deterring unsafe border crossings, a nod to previous diplomatic efforts by the Obama administration.