Inside the Debate on Massachusetts Sanctuary Policies with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis

    In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Lew Evangelidis, the long-serving Sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts. Lew previously represented Worcester in the Massachusetts House of Representatives before being elected sheriff in 2010. Over his tenure, he has witnessed dramatic shifts in immigration enforcement, border policy, and the intersection of state and federal law enforcement. With extensive firsthand experience and a commitment to public safety, Lew brings a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing Massachusetts communities, particularly in light of recent controversies around immigration and law enforcement collaboration.   Jennifer and Lew discuss the evolving landscape of immigration policy, focusing on the impact of federal executive orders, state “sanctuary” policies, and the contentious relationship between local law enforcement and ICE. The episode addresses the fiscal, public safety, and social consequences of current migration patterns, with Lew offering candid criticism of both state and federal decisions. They debate the effectiveness of prior administrations in border security, critique Massachusetts’ handling of migrant housing and public funds, and tackle the effects of political polarization on public safety. Throughout, Lew emphasizes his philosophy of being tough on crime while remaining compassionate and accessible to the community. The episode raises controversial points about the unintended outcomes of immigration policy, the misallocation of taxpayer funds, and the strain on local services, challenging listeners to consider who truly benefits from prevailing policies.   “If a man, 30 years old with a beard looked 30, he said he was 16, there was nothing you could do. He was a minor. He was allowed into the country.” ~Sheriff Lew Evangelidis   This week on Political Contessa: Shifting immigration policies from Obama to Trump to Biden The role of state and local officials in enforcing—or resisting—federal immigration laws Misallocation of $3 billion in state funds for migrant housing instead of addressing homelessness among citizens Impact on schools, hospitals, and local communities as public services are strained Detrimental effects of “sanctuary” policies on public safety and law enforcement collaboration The impact of political polarization and the disappearance of the political middle in Massachusetts The real-world consequences for crime victims and vulnerable residents as a result of the current immigration enforcement posture The importance of putting the needs of resident citizens first and restoring common sense to public policy Connect with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis: Worcester County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.worcestercountysheriff.com/ Worcester County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worcestersheriff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherifflew     Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts   Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.