"Rise of Right-Wing Sheriffs: Challenging Federal Law Nationwide"

The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), a right-wing sheriffs group founded in 2011, is gaining acceptance across the United States by promoting the idea that elected sheriffs should refuse to enforce laws they deem unconstitutional or unjust. The group has held trainings and rallies in at least 30 states, with formal trainings approved for officers' continuing education credits in six states. Legal experts warn that such training undermines democratic processes and can contribute to a broader insurrectionist ideology. At least 69 sheriffs nationwide have been identified as members or supporters of the group, and some counties have considered resolutions empowering sheriffs to refuse to enforce certain laws. Critics argue that the group's ideology can lead to extremism and political violence.