As the race for the 2024 presidential election gains momentum, the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) has thrown its weight behind former President Donald Trump, endorsing him during an event in Grand Rapids that focused on border security and law enforcement. The POAM represents a significant voice in the vital battleground state, boasting approximately 12,000 members within the law enforcement community.
The endorsement, which was announced by POAM President James Tignanelli, marks the third time the union has supported Trump, having backed him in both 2016 and 2020. Tignanelli’s endorsement emphasized concerns over border security under President Joe Biden’s administration, reflecting a broader Republican critique of current immigration policies. The POAM president expressed his aspiration for future leadership to restore honor to the law enforcement profession, a sentiment echoed by many of his colleagues.
The endorsement followed Trump’s remarks regarding the tragic death of Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids woman whose life was cut short. Trump leveraged the incident as an example of what he perceives as the consequences of failed immigration policies under the Biden administration, stating, “Under the Trump administration, this monster had been deported, thrown out of the country, wasn’t going to be able to come back. … Crooked Joe Biden let him come back and let him back in and let him stay in and he viciously killed Ruby.”
During the event, Tignanelli expressed a common theme among his members: “There’s no way we can have a president in the United States that allows 3 million people a year or more, I’m sure, to come into our country illegally. We can’t allow that to continue.” These remarks were mirrored by Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott, who highlighted the criminal activities of individuals in the country illegally and housed in the county jail.
The endorsement did not come without its critics. While Trump and his supporters presented a narrative of strong support for law enforcement and stringent border security, others in the law enforcement community have voiced feelings of betrayal. Former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and fellow officers publicly expressed their disillusionment with Trump, particularly in light of his actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. Biden campaign spokesperson TJ Ducklo condemned Trump’s track record on political violence, accusing him of fraudulent behavior and prioritizing his own power.
This political chess move by the POAM comes at a time when Trump is leading in Michigan polling data over Biden, according to RealClearPolitics averages. Michigan, which Trump won in 2016 before losing to Biden in 2020, is set to be a key battleground once more, and the POAM’s endorsement represents an early consolidation of support in what is expected to be a highly contested election.
Relevant articles:
– Police Officers Association of Michigan endorses Trump during Grand Rapids event on border security
– Michigan Police Union Endorses Trump After He Blasts Biden At Campaign Event, The Daily Wire, Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:47:10 GMT
– Trump, Republicans talk border in Grand Rapids, WEMU, Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:54:00 GMT
– Trump in Michigan blasts ‘border bloodbath. Here are the facts, Bridge Michigan, Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT