The Rise of Constitutional Sheriffs

Over the past 12 years, constitutional sheriffs have grown in numbers and now represent a majority of sheriffs in the US. Initially formed in 2011 as a result of opposition to gun control legislation, these sheriffs claim authority that supersedes state or federal laws. They have taken controversial stances on various issues, including COVID measures, tax laws, land management, environmental policies, marriage equality, and immigration enforcement. Some constitutional sheriffs have been associated with militias and white supremacist groups and were involved in voter intimidation tactics during the 2022 midterms. This has led to concerns about the rise of an insurrectionist fifth column in the country.