*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 *

**Remarks During a Photo Opportunity With Sheriffs **

*September 26, 2019 *

*The President.* They're starting to see the changes that we've done in their communities all across the country. A tremendous progress has been made, even on the border. The border is like a different place. And we have 27,000 Mexican soldiers guarding our border. And I want to thank the President of Mexico, because they've been great. Plus, we've changed laws, and we've done many different things.

We can't get the Democrats to do anything. They won't change any of the loopholes that would make it so much easier, as you know. They won't change loopholes. They won't change asylum. They won't do anything with asylum. They want open borders—frankly, I think they want crime—but they want open borders. They want drugs. They want human trafficking. And it's a disgrace.

But, Sheriff, that's a great honor. And I really—this is a big—to me, this is a very important award. This is a great honor. And I have tremendous respect for the people standing alongside of me. Okay? It's a tremendous—[*applause*].

*Bristol County, MA, Sheriff Thomas W. Hodgson*. I know when I speak for these sheriffs and America's sheriffs across the country, that you've done more in 2 years than the past administrations and Congress has done for 20 years, Mr. President.

*The President.* Man.

*Sheriff Hodgson.* You know what? We salute you. And God bless you for what you've done for us. Thank you so much.

On behalf of the—America's sheriffs, presented to President Donald J. Trump, in appreciation for your strong leadership, unwavering efforts to stop illegal immigration and the burden it places on our citizens, families, neighborhoods, and our Nation, America's sheriffs and the "angel" families of America salute you, sir.

*The President.* Thank you very much.

[*At this point, Sheriff Hodgson presented the President with a* *plaque of recognition.*]

Really importantly, Sheriff, on behalf of the other sheriffs and everybody here at law enforcement said that we've done more in the last 2½ years for safety and security than the last 20 years' worth of administrations. And I'll tell you, that's an honor. And I'm a big fan of the people alongside of me. I'm a big fan. And I want to thank you and thank your communities and thank everybody.

*Participant.* We're your fan too! We thank you!

NOTE: The President spoke at 4:52 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.

*Categories:* Addresses and Remarks : Sheriffs, photo opportunity with President*.*

*Locations: *Washington, DC.

*Names:* Hodgson, Thomas W.; López Obrador, Andrés Manuel*.* *Subjects:* Defense and national security : Border security; Drug abuse and trafficking : Foreign narcotics traffickers; Immigration and naturalization : Illegal immigration; Immigration and naturalization : Reform; Law enforcement and crime : Law enforcement officers, service and dedication; Law enforcement and crime : Trafficking in persons, efforts to combat; Mexico : Immigration enforcement, cooperation with U.S.; Mexico : President.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201900668.