Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek had the opportunity to engage President Donald Trump in discussion on problems the Twin Cities area faces during a visit in Washington D.C. Tuesday.

Stanek, along with other members of the National Sheriffs Association, met with Trump at the White House to discuss law enforcement issues.

Addressing Trump, Stanek discussed Minnesota's opioid addiction epidemic, saying "We need help. Eighty-plus percent of those drugs come from south of the border. Everybody knows it. I know you will do something about that,"

"It's already being done," Trump replied. "Believe me, it's a big, big difference. And we will do that. You do have a big problem. And you do have a big problem with the refugees pouring in, don't you?" "Yes we do, sir," said Stanek. "And all we're asking is what you're doing which is let the courts decide, do what we've been doing. The rule of law is strong and the proper vetting of individuals is really important to us."



"You know, the vetting is much, much tougher now and we need this court case to be very helpful in keeping the wrong people out of our country. You understand that better than anybody," Trump said. "I think we're going to have some good results. It may take a little while. You know this is a very dangerous period of time because while everybody's talking and dealing, a lot of bad people are thinking 'hey let's go in right now,'" Trump continued.

"But we're being very, very tough with the vetting. Tougher than ever before."



An honor having the @NationalSheriff Association join me at the @WhiteHouse. Incredible men & women who protect & serve 24/7/365. THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/LxNZK39HE0

— President Trump (@POTUS) February 7, 2017 Stanek begins speaking at the 8:24 minute mark: