National Sheriffs Association President is Misleading the Public

As a member of the press and a part of the new citizen reporting era, I have the privilege of hearing from many law enforcement officers who report what they are seeing in real time—often contrary to what their leaders tell the public. If any law enforcement official chooses to take retribution for my reporting, I want to make it clear that such actions will not deter me from sharing the truth. My responsibility is to the public, and the truth must always come first, no matter the consequences.

The Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang is rapidly expanding across the United States, spreading violence and chaos in its wake. Yet, despite clear evidence of this dangerous group’s presence in Canyon County, Idaho, the public is being misled. Recent statements by Sheriff Kieran Donahue, who also serves as the president of the National Sheriffs' Association, downplay the threat, claiming there are no confirmed reports of TDA in the area. But this is not the full truth, and as someone with strong connections in law enforcement, I feel a responsibility to set the record straight.

The Reality of Tren de Aragua in Canyon County

Tren de Aragua has already established a foothold in several states, including Utah and Colorado, where law enforcement has tied them to violent crimes, human trafficking, and organized theft. My reliable sources within law enforcement, whom I trust deeply, have confirmed that TDA is operating in Canyon and Ada counties, specifically responsible for a rash of home burglaries. Despite this, Sheriff Donahue recently issued a statement denying confirmed TDA activity in the area. This type of misleading information leaves the community vulnerable and unprepared for the very real danger that exists.

Sheriff Donahue’s National Role and Responsibility

As the president of the National Sheriffs' Association, Sheriff Donahue holds a significant position of leadership. His words carry weight not just locally, but nationally. It is troubling that, with such a platform, he is not fully transparent about the presence of a violent gang in his own community. This is not just a local issue—it is a national concern. When a figurehead like Sheriff Donahue downplays a serious threat, it raises questions about how public safety is being prioritized across the country.

Press release from the Canyon County SO obtained from their Facebook page.

Why This Matters for Communities and Churches

TDA does not just target homes; they target communities and places of worship. Churches, often seen as open and vulnerable spaces, can become easy targets for criminals looking to exploit a lack of security. Criminal gangs like TDA operate with brutality, and it's not hard to imagine them extending their criminal operations to include places like churches, where large groups gather.

The denial of TDA’s presence does nothing to protect these spaces. In fact, it makes them even more vulnerable by lulling the community into a false sense of security. We need transparency from our leaders, not just to keep homes safe, but to ensure that churches and other vulnerable places are protected from the very real threats that exist.

A Call for Honesty and Action

I understand that law enforcement leaders like Sheriff Donahue may be trying to avoid causing panic. However, misleading the public is not the solution. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 12:22, "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." Honesty and transparency are crucial, especially when it comes to the safety of the community.

When a law enforcement leader publicly denies the reality that their own deputies are aware of, it erodes trust. Communities rely on their sheriffs to be forthcoming with information, especially about something as dangerous as a criminal gang operating in their neighborhoods. This isn’t just a local concern—it’s an issue of national importance, and we must hold our leaders to account.

Protecting Our Communities and Places of Worship

Now more than ever, communities and churches need to be aware of the threats they face. Tren de Aragua is not just a threat to homes in Canyon County; it is a threat to churches and congregations across the country. By refusing to acknowledge the presence of this gang, leaders like Sheriff Donahue are putting the people they serve at greater risk.

Here are some steps that communities and churches can take right now:

• Increase vigilance: Be aware of your surroundings and look out for suspicious activity, especially around homes and churches.

• Form church security teams: Churches should not wait until it’s too late. Security teams can act as a deterrent and a first line of defense against potential threats.

• Cooperate with law enforcement: Despite the lack of public acknowledgment from some leaders, there are many in law enforcement who are aware of the dangers posed by TDA. Work with local officers to report suspicious behavior and strengthen community ties.

Conclusion: Holding Our Leaders Accountable

At the end of the day, this is about accountability. Sheriff Donahue’s statements downplay the truth, and as the president of the National Sheriffs' Association, he owes it to the people of Canyon County—and the nation—to be transparent about the threats we face. TDA is a growing menace, and pretending they don’t exist in our community is not just irresponsible; it’s dangerous.

We need honesty from our leaders, and we need it now. The safety of our homes, our churches, and our communities depends on it.