Rep. Mark Harris Praises Trump's Tough Enforcement for Historic Crime Drop

Harris says President's policies have made cities safer, calls for continued support for law enforcement

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In an exclusive op-ed, Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina's 8th District praises President Trump's tough-on-crime approach, which he says has led to a historic drop in homicide rates across major U.S. cities. Harris cites the tragic murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte as an example of the deadly consequences of soft-on-crime policies in Democrat-run cities, and calls on Congress to support the President's efforts to defund sanctuary cities and uphold the rule of law.

Why it matters

This op-ed highlights the political divide over criminal justice reform, with Republicans like Rep. Harris arguing for tougher enforcement to drive down crime rates, while Democrats have pushed for more lenient policies. The debate has intensified in the wake of high-profile incidents like the murder of Iryna Zarutska, which Harris says could have been prevented with stronger accountability for repeat offenders.

The details

In the op-ed, Rep. Harris praises President Trump's efforts to make America safer, citing a recent poll showing 81% of Americans view crime as a major problem in cities. Harris says homicide rates fell dramatically in 35 large U.S. cities in 2025, likely reaching the lowest level since at least 1900. However, he argues challenges persist in Democrat-run cities with "sanctuary policies, lenient sentencing, and reluctance to enforce the law." Harris cites the case of Iryna Zarutska's murder in Charlotte, a Democrat-led city, as an example of the deadly consequences of these policies.

  • Six months ago, Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light-rail train.
  • In his first year back in office, President Donald Trump has confronted failed soft-on-crime policies.
  • Tonight, during his State of the Union address, President Trump will celebrate progress in making America safer.

The players

Rep. Mark Harris

A Republican Congressman representing North Carolina's 8th District, who serves on the House Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and Agriculture Committees.

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has made cracking down on crime a key part of his agenda.

Iryna Zarutska

A Ukrainian refugee who was brutally murdered on a light-rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Decarlos Brown Jr.

The repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history who was responsible for Iryna Zarutska's murder.

Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police

The police union in Charlotte, North Carolina that sounded the alarm about the city being nearly 300 officers short, prompting a request for National Guard backup.

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What they’re saying

“No more taxpayer dollars should reward jurisdictions that put politics above public safety.”

— Rep. Mark Harris (Breitbart)

What’s next

President Trump is expected to continue pushing for policies that crack down on crime and defund sanctuary cities during his second term.

The takeaway

This op-ed highlights the ongoing political debate over criminal justice reform, with Republicans arguing for tougher enforcement to drive down crime rates, while Democrats have pushed for more lenient policies. The tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska has become a flashpoint in this debate, with Rep. Harris using it to call for continued support for law enforcement and accountability for repeat offenders.