Speaking against Barack Obama’s imminent amnesty executive order, sheriffs around the nation warn of the danger to Rule of Law.

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Frederick County, Maryland: “In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, every county in America will become a border county. This is absolutely going to worsen the crisis. What we’re going to see is not only the cost to health care, social programs, and education, but the increase in criminals coming into our country, you’re going to see increases in crime, infiltration from transnational gangs, the drug trade and human tracking.”

Sheriff Paul Babeu, Pinal County, Arizona: “The law applies to you and I as citizens, and yet it appears there is no law when it comes to illegals. The message the president’s action will send is this: If you can get to the border, you’re home free. It completely undermines the Rule of Law and makes the job of every law enforcement officer – which is already difficult – impossible.”

Sheriff Sam Page, Rockingham County, North Carolina: “Human trafficking, drug trafficking and criminal activity are coming through our borders, but not staying near our borders – it’s getting into every part of the United States. This is a public safety issue – a terrorist or any other kind of criminal may cross our borders. We just don’t know who is coming across. If the president issues his executive amnesty, you’ll see a dramatic surge of people coming in from all countries, including Central America – and again we won’t know who’s coming in: gangs, drugs, cartels, public health threats, human trafficking. We’re not catching but a small percentage of those coming across. This will place public safety in our communities in danger, and taxpaying citizens will be left picking up the tab.”

Sheriff Tom Hodgson, Bristol County, Massachusetts: “It will dramatically increase the draw for illegal immigrants to come into our country, because you have the president of the United States sending out a message that we have no problem with people ignoring our immigration laws. They’re looking for a wink and nod that says, "Yeah, come on in.‘ We’ve seen it with the DACA. It is the worst message you can possibly send. 'Come in, don’t worry about the laws, don’t wait your turn.’ You invite people to ignore our laws. We have no knowledge of these individuals’ background or criminal histories. We [have] minors coming in right now who have confessed to murder. We in these communities are left trying to find out: who are these people? If didn’t learn anything else post-9/11, it’s that we need to know who is in our communities and what they’re purpose is. The president’s planned order is a formula for national disaster and public safety. … It’s opening a gaping hole for terrorists to walk right into the country and strike at innocent people.”

(Hat tip: Media Research Center)