Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd delivered a forceful defense of law enforcement and public safety during a recent press conference, warning that communities that tolerate anarchists and criminals put their citizens at grave risk. “If you allow anarchists and criminals to run wild in your community, people will die. People will be shot,” Judd stated, underscoring his belief that hesitation in enforcing the law endangers innocent lives and erodes public confidence in security.

Judd contrasted his approach with what he described as a troubling directive from Chicago police leadership in October 2025 that allegedly instructed officers not to assist federal agents who were under attack during an anti-ICE protest. In sharp contrast, Judd recounted how his office mobilized extensive resources to apprehend a suspect who violently resisted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents within his jurisdiction. “We sent a helicopter, a drone, a canine, and 50 law enforcement officers to surround the area, and we found that guy who violently resisted ICE and we locked him up in jail where he should have been,” he said, highlighting his commitment to decisive, comprehensive law enforcement action.

As an elected sheriff since 2005, Judd has championed aggressive use of aerial assets and ground units to pursue violent offenders and protect his community, a philosophy reflected in his comments and practices over many years. He maintains that failing to uphold the rule of law invites escalating violence and emboldens criminal actors, a stance consistent with his broader criticism of what he sees as lax enforcement policies in other jurisdictions.

Judd’s remarks resonated with supporters of strong law enforcement and national security, particularly amid ongoing debates over public safety and the proper role of local agencies in supporting federal enforcement efforts. His comments also align with broader concerns among conservative leaders about ensuring that communities remain secure and that law enforcement agencies have the authority and resources necessary to act decisively against those who break the law.