Republican Texas congresswoman Rep. Beth Van Duyne has urged New York police officers to move to Texas, offering them a state free of “pro-criminal” politicians that supports law enforcement and promises a better quality of life. She released an ad in the New York Post calling for officers to “escape New York” in the wake of the death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. Van Duyne criticized New York as being “anti-law and order” with budget cuts from “Defund the Police” advocates and faced with illegal immigrant gangs and violent criminals. She encouraged officers to leave behind what she called “loathsome and destructive folks” in New York and make a fresh start in Texas.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rep. Van Duyne expressed her respect and empathy for the challenges faced by police officers in New York. She highlighted the lack of support for law enforcement in the state and politicians siding with criminals over police and citizens. Van Duyne contrasted this with the reverence and appreciation for law enforcement in Texas, emphasizing the state’s commitment to professionalism and the rule of law. She also emphasized the better quality of life in Texas, where individual freedoms are valued, officers are respected, and communities are safer. Van Duyne stated that even if the ad convinces just one officer to move to Texas, the impact on public safety would be significant.
Van Duyne’s campaign to recruit New York police officers to Texas is reminiscent of a similar effort by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who used billboards to attract law enforcement officers from other states as part of a broader recruitment initiative. DeSantis’s campaign successfully brought in hundreds of recruits from across the country. Van Duyne hopes that by encouraging New York officers to move to Texas, they can have a meaningful impact on public safety and make their mark in the community. She believes that by relocating to Texas, officers can play a crucial role in improving safety and security in North Texas, benefitting everyone who lives there.
The ad released by Van Duyne is part of a larger trend of states competing to attract law enforcement officers from other regions. Texas and Florida, both led by Republican governors, have actively sought to bring in officers from states with less supportive law enforcement environments. By offering a better quality of life, respect for law enforcement, and a commitment to public safety, these states aim to create more attractive opportunities for officers looking to make a move. Van Duyne’s campaign specifically targets New York officers, highlighting the challenges faced in the state and the potential benefits of relocating to Texas.
The ad by Rep. Beth Van Duyne underscores the divide between states with differing approaches to law enforcement and criminal justice. While New York has faced criticism for its perceived anti-law enforcement stance, Texas is positioning itself as a welcoming and supportive state for police officers. The recruitment efforts by Texas and Florida signal a broader trend of states actively seeking to bolster their law enforcement ranks by attracting officers from less supportive jurisdictions. Van Duyne’s campaign aims to not only provide opportunities for officers looking to make a change but also to enhance public safety and security in the Lone Star State through the recruitment of experienced law enforcement professionals.
