By Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
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In April 2024, I had the opportunity to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border with Law Enforcement Today to see firsthand what was truly happening on the ground. At the time, media narratives varied wildly depending on the source, and the public was left with more questions than answers.
Upon arriving, I quickly witnessed the severity of the crisis: dozens of individuals swimming across the Rio Grande, running through the desert, or jumping fences into private property. One day, I joined the Texas Department of Public Safety for an aerial patrol in one of their helicopters. From above, we saw spotters on the hills waiting for a clear moment to send people across the border. We observed vehicles packed with individuals—some appearing to be in their early teens—being smuggled into the U.S.
It became undeniably clear: human trafficking is a serious crisis. And the more open and unprotected our borders are, the more we enable harm—not only to migrants but also to American citizens. The consequences spill into our neighborhoods, our schools, and our communities.
Fast forward to April 2025—just one year later—and the border has undergone a dramatic transformation. The difference was like night and day. Border Patrol agents were everywhere. The area was clean, secure, and calm. Residents were walking freely without fear of being robbed, trafficked, or assaulted. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. And this shift came less than three months into President Trump’s return to the White House.
President Trump’s Law-and-Order Approach
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald J. Trump has wasted no time in reaffirming his commitment to restoring law and order. Under his direction, the Administration has taken swift and decisive action to empower law enforcement and close the gaps that allowed criminal activity to flourish. His leadership team—including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, and Attorney General Pam Bondi—has executed his vision with urgency and focus.
Key actions taken by the Trump Administration include:
Federal Law Enforcement’s Role
Federal agencies have played an integral role in this public safety success. Strategic operations, expanded intelligence-sharing, and better deployment of resources have led to dismantling criminal networks and taking dangerous individuals off the streets.
“Our officers are not only enforcing the law—they’re building trust, responding to emerging threats, and strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “The downward trend in crime reflects both our members’ dedication and the strong partnerships we’ve developed across the criminal justice system.”
The Data Confirms the Trend
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), violent crime—including homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies—has steadily declined since the second half of 2022. Preliminary 2024 data confirms that trend continued into this year.
This is a direct result of comprehensive strategies at every level of government—particularly when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with aligned goals.
Community Engagement and Prevention
Crime reduction efforts go beyond arrests and prosecutions. Increased investment in community policing, school outreach, and mental health programs are proving to be effective tools for prevention. Communities with active engagement and support for law enforcement are seeing reduced recidivism and long-term improvements in public safety.
Remaining Vigilant
Despite the progress, public safety officials warn that success cannot breed complacency. Emerging threats—such as cybercrime, fentanyl trafficking, and transnational gangs—require vigilance, innovation, and a unified response.
“We’ve made significant progress, but there’s still much to be done,” one senior law enforcement official said. “We must continue to invest in our law enforcement professionals and ensure they are equipped to meet the evolving threats of tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2025, the continuing drop in crime offers hope—and a clear indication that the right leadership and policies make a difference. President Trump’s decisive action, combined with a united front across law enforcement agencies, is delivering results. But sustaining this success will require ongoing commitment from all levels of government.
In a recent roundtable with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the message was clear: federal support depends on collaboration. Jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement risk losing critical funding. “We will make this country as safe as possible,” Bondi said. “But if some jurisdictions won’t work with us, they will not benefit from federal resources. Public safety cannot be held hostage by politics.”
A Breakfast to Remember: Meeting with Vice President Vance
One of the most memorable experiences of my life was the opportunity to have breakfast with Vice President J.D. Vance at his residence. While the setting itself was incredible on many levels, what made the moment truly unforgettable was how down-to-earth, sincere, and genuinely engaged the Vice President was throughout our time together.
This wasn’t just a formal meeting—it was a real conversation. Vice President Vance didn’t deliver a speech or stick to talking points. Instead, he asked simple but important questions: What do law enforcement officers need to do their jobs effectively? How can we help ensure you’re able to operate efficiently and stay safe while serving the American people?
I shared with him what I hear from officers and agents across the country: above all, we need the support of elected officials in the jurisdictions we serve. When our leaders stand behind us, it strengthens morale, boosts effectiveness, and reminds us that we are not alone in this mission.
I also expressed our concerns over a bill currently in the House of Representatives—legislation that could significantly cut pay and benefits for federal agents. It’s a source of anxiety for many in our ranks, especially at a time when we’ve been asked to do more than ever before.
Vice President Vance didn’t hesitate. He looked me in the eye and said, “You have the complete and full support of this administration.” He went on to assure me that the administration is not looking to cut anything from the heroes who are keeping America safe. That message—delivered with sincerity—meant the world.
I want to personally thank Vice President Vance for his hospitality, his candor, and most importantly, his friendship. Our conversation gave me renewed confidence in our nation’s leadership and hope for the future. I look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with him and others in the administration to continue advancing our mission of keeping America safe.
Conclusion
Crime is declining. Communities are becoming safer. But this is not by chance—it’s the result of intentional leadership, brave officers on the front lines, and a renewed commitment to protecting the American people. We must stay the course, support our law enforcement officers, and continue holding the line.
--
In April 2024, I had the opportunity to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border with Law Enforcement Today to see firsthand what was truly happening on the ground. At the time, media narratives varied wildly depending on the source, and the public was left with more questions than answers.
Upon arriving, I quickly witnessed the severity of the crisis: dozens of individuals swimming across the Rio Grande, running through the desert, or jumping fences into private property. One day, I joined the Texas Department of Public Safety for an aerial patrol in one of their helicopters. From above, we saw spotters on the hills waiting for a clear moment to send people across the border. We observed vehicles packed with individuals—some appearing to be in their early teens—being smuggled into the U.S.
It became undeniably clear: human trafficking is a serious crisis. And the more open and unprotected our borders are, the more we enable harm—not only to migrants but also to American citizens. The consequences spill into our neighborhoods, our schools, and our communities.
Fast forward to April 2025—just one year later—and the border has undergone a dramatic transformation. The difference was like night and day. Border Patrol agents were everywhere. The area was clean, secure, and calm. Residents were walking freely without fear of being robbed, trafficked, or assaulted. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. And this shift came less than three months into President Trump’s return to the White House.
President Trump’s Law-and-Order Approach
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald J. Trump has wasted no time in reaffirming his commitment to restoring law and order. Under his direction, the Administration has taken swift and decisive action to empower law enforcement and close the gaps that allowed criminal activity to flourish. His leadership team—including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, and Attorney General Pam Bondi—has executed his vision with urgency and focus.
Key actions taken by the Trump Administration include:
- Increased federal funding for state and local law enforcement agencies, providing resources for training, technology, and tactical operations.
- Revitalization of Project Safe Neighborhoods, enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to target the most dangerous offenders.
- Executive support for Operation Legend 2.0, focusing federal law enforcement efforts in cities hit hardest by violent crime.
- Crackdowns on transnational criminal organizations, cartels, and smuggling operations through increased collaboration with international partners.
- Policy reforms at DOJ and DHS prioritizing the arrest and prosecution of violent repeat offenders, gang members, and illegal firearms traffickers.
Federal Law Enforcement’s Role
Federal agencies have played an integral role in this public safety success. Strategic operations, expanded intelligence-sharing, and better deployment of resources have led to dismantling criminal networks and taking dangerous individuals off the streets.
“Our officers are not only enforcing the law—they’re building trust, responding to emerging threats, and strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “The downward trend in crime reflects both our members’ dedication and the strong partnerships we’ve developed across the criminal justice system.”
The Data Confirms the Trend
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), violent crime—including homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies—has steadily declined since the second half of 2022. Preliminary 2024 data confirms that trend continued into this year.
This is a direct result of comprehensive strategies at every level of government—particularly when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with aligned goals.
Community Engagement and Prevention
Crime reduction efforts go beyond arrests and prosecutions. Increased investment in community policing, school outreach, and mental health programs are proving to be effective tools for prevention. Communities with active engagement and support for law enforcement are seeing reduced recidivism and long-term improvements in public safety.
Remaining Vigilant
Despite the progress, public safety officials warn that success cannot breed complacency. Emerging threats—such as cybercrime, fentanyl trafficking, and transnational gangs—require vigilance, innovation, and a unified response.
“We’ve made significant progress, but there’s still much to be done,” one senior law enforcement official said. “We must continue to invest in our law enforcement professionals and ensure they are equipped to meet the evolving threats of tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2025, the continuing drop in crime offers hope—and a clear indication that the right leadership and policies make a difference. President Trump’s decisive action, combined with a united front across law enforcement agencies, is delivering results. But sustaining this success will require ongoing commitment from all levels of government.
In a recent roundtable with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the message was clear: federal support depends on collaboration. Jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement risk losing critical funding. “We will make this country as safe as possible,” Bondi said. “But if some jurisdictions won’t work with us, they will not benefit from federal resources. Public safety cannot be held hostage by politics.”
A Breakfast to Remember: Meeting with Vice President Vance
One of the most memorable experiences of my life was the opportunity to have breakfast with Vice President J.D. Vance at his residence. While the setting itself was incredible on many levels, what made the moment truly unforgettable was how down-to-earth, sincere, and genuinely engaged the Vice President was throughout our time together.
This wasn’t just a formal meeting—it was a real conversation. Vice President Vance didn’t deliver a speech or stick to talking points. Instead, he asked simple but important questions: What do law enforcement officers need to do their jobs effectively? How can we help ensure you’re able to operate efficiently and stay safe while serving the American people?
I shared with him what I hear from officers and agents across the country: above all, we need the support of elected officials in the jurisdictions we serve. When our leaders stand behind us, it strengthens morale, boosts effectiveness, and reminds us that we are not alone in this mission.
I also expressed our concerns over a bill currently in the House of Representatives—legislation that could significantly cut pay and benefits for federal agents. It’s a source of anxiety for many in our ranks, especially at a time when we’ve been asked to do more than ever before.
Vice President Vance didn’t hesitate. He looked me in the eye and said, “You have the complete and full support of this administration.” He went on to assure me that the administration is not looking to cut anything from the heroes who are keeping America safe. That message—delivered with sincerity—meant the world.
I want to personally thank Vice President Vance for his hospitality, his candor, and most importantly, his friendship. Our conversation gave me renewed confidence in our nation’s leadership and hope for the future. I look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with him and others in the administration to continue advancing our mission of keeping America safe.
Conclusion
Crime is declining. Communities are becoming safer. But this is not by chance—it’s the result of intentional leadership, brave officers on the front lines, and a renewed commitment to protecting the American people. We must stay the course, support our law enforcement officers, and continue holding the line.
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The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
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