California Sheriff Slams Kamala Harris for Misleading Border Security Ad

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is calling out Vice President Kamala Harris for using his image in a recent campaign ad, accusing her of falsely portraying herself as tough on crime and border security. The California sheriff, a seasoned law enforcement officer with 37 years of service, did not mince words, labeling the ad as "smoke and mirrors."

The controversy erupted after Boudreaux’s image appeared in a Harris presidential campaign ad, which highlighted her supposed efforts to combat drug cartels and gang members during her time as California's attorney general. The ad claimed Harris "took on drug cartels" and "jailed gang members for smuggling weapons and drugs across the border." However, Boudreaux swiftly condemned the ad, stating that his image was used without his permission and that he does not endorse Harris' candidacy for president.

"In light of a recent political ad put out by Kamala Harris featuring Sheriff Boudreaux, as well as other local law enforcement, the Sheriff wants to make it abundantly clear that his image is being used without his permission, and he does NOT endorse Harris for President or any other political office," read a statement issued by the sheriff's office.

Boudreaux, who has held leadership roles including as the former president of the California State Sheriffs’ Association, emphasized that Harris' claims in the ad are misleading. He pointed out that during her tenure as attorney general, Harris showed little interest in addressing the cartels or securing the border. "The truth is, Harris never cared about the cartels and did nothing to stop people from illegally crossing the border," Boudreaux said.

The sheriff also criticized Harris for attempting to take credit for the work done by local law enforcement, recounting an incident where Harris visited the Central Valley over a decade ago. According to Boudreaux, Harris did not engage with local law enforcement officers during her visit and later used footage from the event in her campaign ad. "We were in the green room. She never came in and said hello to any of us. She walked up front, gave her presser, literally walked out, never said hi to any of us," Boudreaux recounted. "I’m disgusted because, you know, she didn’t shake hands. She didn’t say hello. And she’s taken credit for all this work that the locals did."

Adding to the criticism, Golden State Justice, a political action committee supporting Boudreaux, slammed Harris for "undercutting" law enforcement efforts to combat gun and drug trafficking across the border. The PAC stated that Harris "repeatedly defunded and shuttered task forces designed to protect our residents, leaving the Valley and our state vulnerable."

The incident underscores the growing tension between local law enforcement and Harris as she seeks to rebrand herself ahead of the 2024 election. For many, this ad is yet another example of the disconnect between the Biden-Harris administration's rhetoric and the realities on the ground.

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