Mirya Holman, University of Houston and Emily Farris, Texas Christian University

Many Americans will find on their November 2024 ballot a space to vote for an important office: local sheriff. While there are exceptions, sheriffs have a long history of using their power to maintain a particular, unequal balance of power in society, often along racial and class lines.

A recent example of this arose on Sept. 13, 2024, when Bruce Zuchowski, sheriff of Portage County, Ohio, posted a message on a Facebook page headed by a graphic that included his official portrait and which was labeled with his official title. Zuchowski called for the public to write down the addresses of people who have campaign signs supporting Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in their yards.

That way, he said, when immigrants arrive and need housing, “We’ll already have the addresses of the … families … who supported their arrival.”

The post, which Zuchowski later claimed appeared on his “personal Facebook page,” used derogatory terms for immigrants and for Harris. It also included screenshots of two Fox News stories about migrants in Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, which are both places that former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and his running mate JD Vance have falsely claimed to be sites of dangerous activity by immigrants.

Sheriffs in the U.S. don’t often get national news attention, but Zuchowski’s request was covered in The Washington Post, NBC News and The Guardian, among others.

There are more than 3,000 sheriffs elected at the county level in the United States, each of whom has authority and autonomy to both set and enforce law enforcement policy. For example, sheriffs in many states can decide whether their deputies will wear body cameras and what happens to the footage recorded during routine stops.

In our book, “The Power of the Badge: Sheriffs and Inequality in the United States,” we provide a comprehensive look at this office and detail the history of sheriffs enforcing inequality both by using formal powers of their office, such as cooperating with federal immigration officers, and with informal powers, such as communicating about who belongs in their community.

Zuchowski’s post, which vilifies immigrants and targets people who support immigrant rights, is just part of that long history of sheriffs using their power as a tool of social control, as we document in our book.

Advertisement

Various sheriffs have participated in social control throughout American history. For instance, in the 18th century, an Alabama sheriff ran slave auctions and Georgia sheriffs played a central role in enforcing slave codes. In the 19th century, a Pennsylvania sheriff quashed union efforts to protect workers’ rights against exploitative businesses. In the 20th century, Southern sheriffs’ roles in voter suppression during the Civil Rights Movement are well documented. In the 21st century, racial profiling has been a problem in the enforcement of traffic laws by sheriffs in Arizona and California, among other states. Zuchowski is just one 21st-century sheriff entering the debate over immigration policy and immigrants’ rights.

Personal views affect public service

In the wake of Zuchowski’s post, The Portager, a news website in his community, reported residents saying the sheriff’s post constituted voter intimidation. Some residents have called for investigations of the sheriff’s office by local, state and national agencies, including the Department of Justice’s civil rights division.

So far, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office says the sheriff has broken no laws.

In both our book and previous work, we document through two national surveys how variations in sheriffs’ views on race and ethnicity may shape their office’s policies and practices.

Zuchowski’s comments about immigrants, including calling them “Illegal human ‘Locust,’” denies their humanity by comparing immigrants to animals.

In our research, we have found that sheriffs’ negative attitudes toward immigrants are statistically correlated to their offices’ anti-immigrant policies. For instance, sheriffs with more negative attitudes are more likely to have an official policy to check the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses. That relationship held even after we controlled potential influence of other factors such as political partisanship and the share of the native-born population in a sheriff’s county.

Similarly, as we show in our book, sheriffs with racist views were less likely to report to us their deputies have been trained to reduce racial and ethnic bias in traffic enforcement. That issue is a problem in Portage County, according to the local NAACP, which in 2023 released a report claiming the sheriff’s office unfairly targets Black drivers.

Advertisement

Politics plays a role

Since his initial post, Zuchowski has defended himself on social media, writing:

“If the citizens of Portage County want to elect an individual who has supported open borders (which I’ve personally visited Twice!) and neglected to enforce the laws of our Country … then that is their prerogative. With elections, there are consequences. That being said … I believe that those who vote for individuals with liberal policies have to accept responsibility for their actions! I am a Law Man … Not a Politician!”

Despite Zuchowski’s claims, he is indeed a politician. Like other sheriffs in the United States, he was elected by voters. He was the Republican nominee in 2020 and is running for reelection in 2024.

Like sheriffs across the country, Zuchowski had extensive law enforcement experience, including working in the Portage County Sheriff’s Office prior to running to head the office. We found that more than 85% of sheriffs worked for the previous sheriff before seeking election. And like most other sheriffs, Zuchowski is a white Republican man. We and others find that more than 90% of sheriffs are white and over 98% are men.

Across the United States, sheriffs will ask voters for their support this fall to remain in office. In most counties, these elections are uncompetitive: Sheriffs usually run either unopposed or against weak candidates.

In this way, Portage County is an exception. Zuchowski’s first election was a competitive race for an open seat, and he faces a challenger to his reelection bid in the 2024 election. His Democratic opponent, Jon Barber, is similarly a white man with a law enforcement background.

But Barber’s campaign website highlights another common challenge for voters: how to pick a good sheriff. His site focuses on transparency, accountability and community policing, with no discussion of immigration. Voters don’t get a clear message about any substantive differences that might exist between the two candidates.

Will Zuchowski’s comments matter for voters? Elsewhere around the country, voters have reelected sheriffs who have made anti-immigrant and racist comments.

Mirya Holman, Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Houston and Emily Farris, Associate Professor of Political Science, Texas Christian University

Advertisement

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

The depth of animosity arising from a few incendiary words is hard to comprehend. Springfield, Ohio, is currently living through a nightmare. The city has been branded by unfounded claims recently. These claims come from former President Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. Baseless allegations have unleashed a wave of bigotry and fear. Notably, claims that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating pets are part of these allegations. The fallout has been catastrophic: bomb threats, school closures, and a community gripped by anxiety and distrust.

Springfield, Ohio

The recent segment of PBS News Hour featured correspondent William Brangham and Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck. Upon reflection, it is clear that the situation is dire. Over 33 bomb threats have been reported, fueled by nothing more than inflammatory rhetoric. This has led to the local immigrant community living in a state of heightened fear. Brangham’s reporting echoes the voices of those who are suffering. One father is too frightened to be identified. He expressed how something as innocent as biking with his son in the park has become too risky. His fear shows how hateful narratives affect real life. These narratives have turned his everyday life into a continuous cycle of fear.

Bryan Heck openly discussed Springfield’s challenges resulting from national rhetoric. He lamented how the city is now caught in a political maelstrom, struggling against a tide of false claims that distort the reality of their immigrant population. The Haitian residents are not criminals or a burden; they contribute to the local economy and enrich the community they now call home. The irony is striking: those who have come to Springfield in search of a better life are being scapegoated instead.

It pains me to see that bigotry seems to be given a free pass in this situation. Hate groups have capitalized on the misinformation, which has allowed rhetoric previously relegated to the fringes to seep into the mainstream. This past week, Springfield residents found flyers from the KKK labeling Haitian immigrants as “disease-ridden and filthy.” No one should ever feel unsafe in their own community due to identity or race. The presence of such open hate should spur outrage and action, not silence.

While I’ve noticed some pockets of pushback, including televised town meetings where members of the Haitian community, as well as Alden Clark’s family, have voiced their concerns, I struggle to understand why more isn’t being done. Why is Senator J.D. Vance, who represents Ohio, putting the city—and its residents—through this turmoil? It feels disheartening to consider that someone in power would employ such harmful tactics simply for political gain, with little regard for the truth or the people affected.

I also think of Philomene Philostin, a local pastor who runs a grocery store serving the Haitian community. She articulated the frustrating reality of being dehumanized in the midst of personally contributing to Springfield’s cultural tapestry. “Why do they not see the good things the Haitian community has done?” she asked, resonating with the many who feel overshadowed by the noise of hatred. To these families, Springfield has not just been a destination; it has been a hope-filled future built through hard work and community.

The narratives being constructed around Haitian immigrants in Springfield are deliberate, dangerous, and deeply misleading. There are no credible reports of pets being harmed; those assertions have simply been fabricated to foster fear. Health data from Clark County indicates that the influx of Haitian immigrants has not correlated with increased disease or crime; in fact, health officials reported that communicable diseases largely decreased between 2022 and 2023. Vance’s claims about heightened crime have been dismissed as political posturing, leaving residents to wonder why their lives are in turmoil over fabrications.

This isn’t just about Springfield. It’s about how society addresses bigotry at large. How often do we allow lies and stereotypes to dictate our discourse? The danger is exacerbated when no one—neither leadership nor community—stands up to challenge these woefully inaccurate assertions. It’s a reflection of our larger societal issues regarding race, immigration, and compassion.

Advertisement

As we continue to navigate this crisis, my hope is that the voices of truth and understanding will prevail over hate. We must demand more from our leaders, push back against the tide of misinformation, and work toward fostering an inclusive community where fear and divisiveness have no place. Springfield, a town with so much potential, deserves a future built on unity and respect rather than division and fear. It’s time for everyone to step up, confront these lies head-on, and support the rich diversity that makes our communities strong.

For further reading, check out these links:

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/springfield-ohio-consequences-gop-lies-still-linger-rcna173475

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-life-in-springfield-has-been-disrupted-by-lies-about-its-haitian-community

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/

Advertisement

Brightline West Project

As a passionate advocate for modern transportation, I am beyond excited about the latest development in American rail: the Brightline West project, which is officially one step closer to reality with the recent signing of a $3 billion grant agreement by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)! This project isn’t just another rail line; it’s a historic leap forward for high-speed rail in the U.S. and a beacon of progress for public transportation enthusiasts like myself.

On September 26, 2024, this monumental agreement was finalized, marking the beginning of what many of us have dreamed about for decades—true high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas to Southern California! With trains capable of reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour, we’re talking about radically transforming how we travel between these two bustling regions.

To have a project of this magnitude come to life thanks to a strong public-private partnership is inspiring. Just look at the numbers: over 35,000 jobs are expected to be created, including 10,000 union construction jobs. This is a huge win, not only for those in the industry but also for local economies and communities, and it sets a precedent for future infrastructure efforts across the country.

Michael Reininger, the CEO of Brightline, really hit the nail on the head with his assertion that this project will “jumpstart the high-speed rail industry in America.” It’s long overdue, and finally, we are moving forward. The Brightline West project won’t just connect cities; it will embody a bold, eco-friendly approach to our transportation challenges—reducing CO2 emissions by over 400,000 tons annually and removing three million cars off the roads that currently choke the I-15.

Imagine this: a seamless, comfortable two-hour journey from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, complete with onboard amenities like food and Wi-Fi. For someone who routinely endures the endless traffic jams on the freeway, the thought of relaxing in a sleek train while taking in the stunning California desert views excites me beyond measure! No more cramped airplane seats or endless hours stuck in a car; we’ll be able to travel in style and comfort.

And it warms my heart to see the emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The fact that Brightline West will utilize zero-emission, fully electric trains positions it as the premiere green transportation choice in America. It’s initiatives like these that give me hope for our future and showcase how modern rail can lead the way in combating climate change.

Heavy construction is slated to kick off in 2025, and early groundwork is already ongoing. Crews are busy drilling geotechnical borings along the I-15, and I can practically feel the anticipation in the air! Soon enough, we’ll see new stations sprouting up, including one right in the heart of Las Vegas—a city known for its bright lights and bustling energy!

As someone who often travels for both leisure and business, I am particularly looking forward to the role this project will play as we approach the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Brightline West will undoubtedly serve as an essential transport option for visitors and residents alike, highlighting what a modern transportation system can achieve.

Advertisement

In closing, there’s so much to be excited about! The Brightline West project calls forth a vision of the future that is connected, rapid, and environmentally conscious. It represents the culmination of years of advocacy, dreaming, and hard work. I look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds as we ride the rails toward a new era in American transportation.

Here’s to the future of rail in America! 🚄🌟

Until next time, happy rail journeys, everyone!

This post is inspired by the recent developments surrounding the Brightline West project.

https://www.brightlinewest.com

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

Advertisement

Please leave this field empty

Want more stories
“Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!”

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Please check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.