Police Leaders: Do Not Become Trump’s Pawns

“Stop Attacking Our Cities to Hide Your Administration’s Failures.” — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

Mayor Michelle Wu was speaking to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s threats to strip federal funding from Boston and 31 other jurisdictions over their so-called “sanctuary” policies. These attacks come straight from Donald Trump’s playbook: bully, intimidate, and misuse law enforcement to advance his political agenda.

Trump and Bondi Are Undermining Policing

Let’s be clear: this has nothing to do with crime control. It is about punishing cities that refuse to bend to Trump’s will. It is about turning police into instruments of political retaliation.

Trump sees law enforcement only in terms of loyalty to him. He pardons violent extremists who attack police, yet demands crackdowns on communities led by people of color. He deploys federal forces to tourist attractions while neighborhoods facing real violent crime go underserved. This is not leadership—it is manipulation.

And now, with Bondi at the DOJ, the pressure campaign against local governments has escalated — Demand letters. Threats to cut funding. Intimidation aimed squarely at cities that dare to prioritize community trust over fear.

Chiefs and Sheriffs: Your Oath Is on the Line

Every police leader swore an oath—not to Trump, not to Bondi, not to any politician—but to the Constitution of the United States. That oath binds us to:

• Protect all residents in our community—documented or not.
• Serve with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Defend the rule of law against abuse of power.

When Washington tells you to do otherwise, your job is not to comply. Your job is to resist.

Immigration Cruelty Is Not Public Safety

Look at the record:

• Masked ICE agents in Connecticut beating two men with legal status.
• A Maine police officer dragged away by ICE and exiled from his home.
• An Afghan ally of U.S. troops held in detention instead of being offered asylum.

These are not the actions of a democratic nation committed to justice. They are the marks of a government willing to use force against the vulnerable to score political points. Police leaders must not be complicit.

Lead With Integrity—Not Fear

This is a defining moment. Chiefs and sheriffs can either stand tall as guardians of the Constitution, or shrink into Trump’s pawns.

Do not be silent. Do not allow your departments to become weapons of intimidation. Stand with your communities. Stand with your officers. Stand with the values that make policing legitimate: service, respect, and fairness under the law.

History Is Watching

Someday soon, people will ask where police leaders stood when Trump and Bondi tried to twist policing into a political tool. Did you go along to get along—or did you defend your oath?

The answer will define both your legacy and the future of policing in America. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and resist!