Despite claims by the Biden-Harris administration that violent crime is decreasing, the actual statistics paint a different picture. Since Kamala Harris became the unofficial “border czar,” tasked with addressing the crisis at the southern border, the U.S. has seen a rise in violent crime, illegal gang activity, and lawlessness, exacerbated by underreported data and lenient prosecution policies in Democrat-led cities. This mischaracterization of crime trends not only obscures the real issue but poses significant concerns about public safety moving forward.
The Misleading Crime Data: What’s Really Happening?
The FBI’s data from 2021 to 2023 has shown a complicated picture regarding crime trends in the U.S. While some reports suggest a slight decline in violent crime during this period, the facts behind these numbers are obscured by incomplete or misleading data. Notably, in 2021, the FBI transitioned from the Summary Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), a change that caused a significant drop in the number of law enforcement agencies submitting data. Over 6,000 agencies—nearly a quarter of the country—failed to provide information to the FBI in 2022, resulting in incomplete data and an inaccurate portrayal of crime trends nationwide.
In major cities like New York and Los Angeles, some of the largest law enforcement agencies either didn’t report or underreported crime data during this transition. This has led to a misleading narrative that violent crime is decreasing when, in reality, gaps in reporting are painting a falsely optimistic picture. The raw numbers may show a drop, but it’s more a consequence of incomplete reporting rather than a true decline in violence.
Violent Crime: Still on the Rise
Despite claims to the contrary, violent crime—particularly homicides and aggravated assaults—has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, homicides increased by 30% in 2020, the largest single-year jump in modern history, and have not dropped significantly since. In 2022, major cities across the U.S. reported a stabilization of these rates, but they remain far higher than they were in 2019. This spike in crime is not limited to urban centers but has also spread to suburban and rural areas.
In New York City alone, felony assaults increased by 17% in 2022 compared to the year before. Robberies rose by 33%, and burglaries spiked by 23%. These numbers are echoed in other major cities across the country, where crime has been consistently rising over the past few years.
The Role of Progressive Prosecutors
A key factor contributing to this crime surge is the role of progressive prosecutors, many of whom are financially backed by billionaire George Soros. These prosecutors have implemented policies focused on criminal justice reform, aiming to reduce incarceration rates and emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. While well-intentioned, these policies have led to significant leniency for violent offenders, often allowing them to avoid jail time through plea deals, diversion programs, or downgraded charges.
In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, district attorneys have been criticized for refusing to prosecute certain crimes and prioritizing reform over public safety. In New York, for instance, over half of felony assault cases are downgraded to misdemeanors, meaning violent offenders are not held accountable to the full extent of the law. This practice not only distorts crime data but also allows repeat offenders to remain on the streets, perpetuating violence in vulnerable communities.
Kamala Harris and the Border Crisis
Kamala Harris was appointed by President Joe Biden to oversee the situation at the southern border, a position that has earned her the informal title of “border czar.” Yet, the situation at the border has worsened under her watch. Illegal border crossings surged to record highs in 2021 and 2022, with over 2.3 million migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022 alone, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This represents a stark increase from the 450,000 crossings recorded in 2020.
The impact of this surge is not limited to border towns. Illegal immigrants, including members of violent gangs like MS-13, have entered the country and spread throughout U.S. cities, contributing to rising violence and crime. In places like Aurora, Colorado, gang violence linked to illegal immigrants has taken over entire neighborhoods, resulting in tragic deaths and lawlessness. Harris’ failure to stem the tide of illegal immigration has allowed criminal organizations to operate with near impunity, undermining public safety across the nation.
The Reality of Democrat-led Crime Policies
Many Democrat leaders, including Kamala Harris, continue to assert that violent crime is decreasing and that immigrants do not contribute to rising crime. While it’s true that the vast majority of immigrants are law-abiding, open border policies have created vulnerabilities that criminal organizations are exploiting. Furthermore, the Biden-Harris administration’s support for sanctuary cities limits the ability of local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, further complicating efforts to address these issues.
As Harris and other Democrats push for progressive policies, including bail reform, reduced sentencing, and the defunding of police departments, law enforcement agencies are finding it harder to keep up with the rise in crime. Harris herself supported a fund to bail out protesters during the 2020 riots, many of whom were involved in violent activities that resulted in billions of dollars in damages. This kind of lawlessness, which was normalized by some members of the Democratic party, only serves to embolden criminals and create a sense of impunity among offenders.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Path Forward
Kamala Harris has had four years to address rising crime and the border crisis, yet both issues have worsened under her watch. Violent crime remains high, illegal immigration is at record levels, and the policies of progressive prosecutors are allowing dangerous offenders to evade justice. Despite claims of a crime decrease, the reality is that underreported data and lenient prosecution are creating an illusion of safety.
With such a track record, it’s hard to see how Harris can be trusted to lead efforts to fix these problems. If crime is to be effectively addressed, the U.S. needs leaders who will prioritize law enforcement, ensure accurate reporting, and hold offenders accountable—not those who continue to push policies that undermine public safety.
