GRAND RAPIDS, MI - In a significant political move, the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) has thrown its support behind former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election.
The POAM, representing a formidable force of 12,000 law enforcement officers across Michigan, announced its endorsement of Trump during a recent event in Grand Rapids.
This is not the first time the association has backed Trump; they also endorsed him in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
During the event, Trump discussed a tragic incident involving Ruby Garcia, a young woman from Grand Rapids who was killed. The accused, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, had re-entered the country illegally after being deported.
Trump seized the opportunity to criticize President Biden’s immigration policies, emphasizing that such incidents wouldn't have occurred under his administration.
“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,” Trump said. “He was set loose to roam our streets and this case set loose to roam in Michigan by politicians that are left and weak and stupid.”
James Tignanelli, President of POAM, voiced concerns over illegal immigration, stating that the U.S. cannot afford to allow millions of people to enter the country illegally each year.
He also advocated for stricter penalties, expressing support for legislation that would impose the death penalty on individuals who kill police officers while on duty.
Sheriff Daniel Abbott from Van Buren County provided statistical insights, revealing that 10% of the county’s jail population consists of individuals from Mexico or Guatemala.
Abbott underscored that these individuals are incarcerated due to criminal activities, including violent offenses.
Trump also touched upon his own legal challenges, mentioning a significant bond he had to post in a New York civil fraud case.
He currently faces multiple charges related to falsifying business records, interfering with the 2020 election, withholding classified documents, and his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Despite the endorsement, Trump’s relationship with law enforcement is not universally positive.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and others have criticized Trump for his rhetoric following the January 6 attack, feeling that he did not sufficiently condemn the violence.
TJ Ducklo, spokesperson for President Biden’s campaign, lambasted Trump’s visit to Grand Rapids, accusing him of exploiting Garcia's tragic death for political gain.
Additionally, Democratic leaders in Michigan, including Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and several state representatives, condemned Trump’s visit, accusing him of leveraging the tragedy to advance his "anti-immigration agenda."
The endorsement from the POAM provides a significant boost to Trump's 2024 campaign, signaling strong support from a key segment of law enforcement.
Michigan holds particular importance for Trump’s electoral strategy. While he performed well in the state during the 2016 election, he lost it to Biden in 2020.
Winning Michigan again in 2024 could be crucial for Trump’s path to victory.
“We supported you, we endorsed you in 2016, we were the first guys in Michigan. You sent me a little video and we still have it. We were proud to do it. We were there in 2020, and I’ll tell you, we’re here in 2024. Today on behalf of 12,000 law enforcement people that the Police Officers Association of Michigan represent, we want you to accept our endorsement for President on the United States.” Said the POA of Michigan Spokesman To Trump.
The POAM, representing a formidable force of 12,000 law enforcement officers across Michigan, announced its endorsement of Trump during a recent event in Grand Rapids.
This is not the first time the association has backed Trump; they also endorsed him in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
During the event, Trump discussed a tragic incident involving Ruby Garcia, a young woman from Grand Rapids who was killed. The accused, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, had re-entered the country illegally after being deported.
Trump seized the opportunity to criticize President Biden’s immigration policies, emphasizing that such incidents wouldn't have occurred under his administration.
“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,” Trump said. “He was set loose to roam our streets and this case set loose to roam in Michigan by politicians that are left and weak and stupid.”
James Tignanelli, President of POAM, voiced concerns over illegal immigration, stating that the U.S. cannot afford to allow millions of people to enter the country illegally each year.
He also advocated for stricter penalties, expressing support for legislation that would impose the death penalty on individuals who kill police officers while on duty.
Sheriff Daniel Abbott from Van Buren County provided statistical insights, revealing that 10% of the county’s jail population consists of individuals from Mexico or Guatemala.
Abbott underscored that these individuals are incarcerated due to criminal activities, including violent offenses.
Trump also touched upon his own legal challenges, mentioning a significant bond he had to post in a New York civil fraud case.
He currently faces multiple charges related to falsifying business records, interfering with the 2020 election, withholding classified documents, and his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Despite the endorsement, Trump’s relationship with law enforcement is not universally positive.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and others have criticized Trump for his rhetoric following the January 6 attack, feeling that he did not sufficiently condemn the violence.
TJ Ducklo, spokesperson for President Biden’s campaign, lambasted Trump’s visit to Grand Rapids, accusing him of exploiting Garcia's tragic death for political gain.
Additionally, Democratic leaders in Michigan, including Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and several state representatives, condemned Trump’s visit, accusing him of leveraging the tragedy to advance his "anti-immigration agenda."
The endorsement from the POAM provides a significant boost to Trump's 2024 campaign, signaling strong support from a key segment of law enforcement.
Michigan holds particular importance for Trump’s electoral strategy. While he performed well in the state during the 2016 election, he lost it to Biden in 2020.
Winning Michigan again in 2024 could be crucial for Trump’s path to victory.
“We supported you, we endorsed you in 2016, we were the first guys in Michigan. You sent me a little video and we still have it. We were proud to do it. We were there in 2020, and I’ll tell you, we’re here in 2024. Today on behalf of 12,000 law enforcement people that the Police Officers Association of Michigan represent, we want you to accept our endorsement for President on the United States.” Said the POA of Michigan Spokesman To Trump.
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