Hoeven Recognizes Vital Work of North Dakota Police Officers, Working to Advance Policies & Programs Supporting Law Enforcement

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today addressed the North Dakota Peace Officers Association, where he recognized the dedication of the state’s law enforcement officers and outlined efforts to ensure they receive the support they need to be safe in the important work they do. To this end, Hoeven has: As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to secure funding for programs that support law enforcement agencies. These include: The Advanced Training Center (ATC) at Camp Grafton – Hoeven worked to establish and fund the ATC to address law enforcement staffing needs in Indian Country, particularly the Great Plains region. Hoeven has secured a total of $20.5 million for the ATC since Fiscal Year 2020, which includes recent funding to: Support and expand the law enforcement training programs offered by the ATC. Construct facilities to meet the growing demand for such programs at Camp Grafton. The Regional Information Sharing System Program – North Dakota was awarded $2.17 million from the program this year to update its criminal history infrastructure and allow greater information sharing between the state and local police departments. Operation Stonegarden – The state received $1.5 million from this program last year to better enable state, local and tribal law enforcement to assist federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. The Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) Program – State and local law enforcement agencies in North Dakota recently received more than $700,000 in Bryne JAG funds this month, which can be used for staffing, training, operations and equipment. Provided significant resources to secure the nation’s borders. Between the two reconciliation bills passed by Congress in 2025 and 2026, Hoeven worked to strengthen and provide certainty for U.S. border security operations. As a result of these investments, alongside the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce existing immigration laws: Illegal crossings have reached historic lows. In June 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) experienced less than 13,000 encounters along the southwestern border, compared to more than 130,000 encounters in June 2024. CBP seizures of illicit substances have increased by more than 50 percent compared to the Biden administration, preventing drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin from reaching American communities. Cosponsored legislation that supports law enforcement and better holds offenders accountable, including: The Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law last year and requires the arrest and ongoing detention of illegal immigrants who commit crimes such as theft, assault of a law enforcement officer or any offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury, so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. The Thin Blue Line Act, which would strengthen penalties for those who target law enforcement. The BE GONE Act, which would expedite the removal of immigrants, refugees and parolees convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence. The Keep Our Communities Safe Act, which would ensure violent criminals who are in the U.S. illegally remain in custody while their immigration cases are pending. “We ask a great deal from our law enforcement, which can often be a demanding and dangerous career. We appreciate everything they do to protect our communities. They have our gratitude, and they deserve our support,” said Hoeven. “That’s why we have been prioritizing federal programs and policies that better empower law enforcement to keep our communities safe and bring offenders to justice. From the border all the way to local law enforcement agencies, we are providing resources to improve staffing, training, technology, infrastructure and equipment. Doing so will support their long-term success and improve public safety across the nation, while better keeping officers safe on the job.” Hoeven also stressed the importance of advancing nominees at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and in the federal judiciary who have a record of supporting law enforcement and upholding the nation’s laws. In particular, Hoeven highlighted the recent confirmation of: Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General. Hoeven stressed that, with Blanche as Acting Attorney General, as Acting Attorney General, the DOJ has increased arrests of violent criminals, protected against terrorist activities and focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl into U.S. communities. Judge Daniel Traynor to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, following his service as U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota. -###-