Charging that illegal immigration has endangered national security and America’s law enforcement and first responders, a huge collection of sheriffs have joined to demand that Congress fund President Trump’s wall and campaign to close the border.

“Without border security and immigration reform, more Americans will continue to be victims of crime. Now is the time to act,” said a letter signed by 380 sheriffs from 40 states.

The unified front was orchestrated by outspoken immigration critic Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson of Bristol County, Mass.

He said on Wednesday, “We’re calling on Congress to take action now, on the security issues at the border and against sanctuary policies in our states, cities and towns.”



Sheriffs from around the country sent a letter to all Members of Congress outlining the need for congressional action on securing America’s border.



Read the #PressRelease here: https://t.co/rKCYq7KLfX pic.twitter.com/RBu4L03PHo — National Sheriffs' Association (@NationalSheriff) March 28, 2018



Backed by the National Sheriffs Association, he added, “These sanctuary policies, including the laws California enacted, directly undermine and limit cooperation and collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement, making it harder for America’s sheriffs to protect our citizens and legal residents. In addition, the problem of MS-13 and other gangs that operate back and forth across our borders has become worse because of our failure to secure the border and the continued court-ordered catch and release policies.”

Trump did not get the money he needed for his wall in the recently passed budget. But he has called it a good downpayment and has even suggested having the military help build it.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department has moved aggressively against sanctuary cities with threats to their federal funding.

The sheriffs have long supported Trump’s efforts and this signaled a larger bid to help out on Capitol Hill

“Congress’ inaction undermines sheriffs’ ability to protect our citizens,” National Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Jonathan Thompson said. “Sheriffs across this country have signed this letter because Congress cannot continue to weaken our efforts to make our communities as safe as possible.”