Republicans make the case to lead on crime, justice and immigration

MANASSAS, Va. — The second night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, focused on addressing violent crime, border security and immigration.

Prince William County Supervisor, former Republican Congressional Candidate, and Sheriff's Deputy Yesli Vega provided context to WUSA9 Tuesday night about the Republican-themed platform of "Make America Safe Again." 

Vega, and other members of the Virginia GOP and the national party, believe crime and justice are winning issues for them.

"If you want to restore law and order in this country, vote Trump," boomed former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy from the convention stage Tuesday night.  

Law and order is a centerpiece of the law enforcement and political career of Prince William County supervisor Yesli Vega, a former full-time sheriff's deputy. 

"Law and Order is paramount to a successful society and what we've seen over the last few years has been utter chaos and I think people are tired of that," said Vega. 

Case in point, according to Vega, a story we just updated you on Tuesday -- five people are now under arrest in connection with a shooting at Manassas Mall. 

"One of the violent offenders was already released on pre-trial, and he was on pre-trial for another violent crime," said Vega. "So why do these violent offenders continue to be released into our communities?"  

Vega believes that crime will be a significant piece of a voter's calculus when they decide in November who to vote for. 

"As a District Supervisor, the number one concern here in this county is safety. Mothers are afraid to have their children playing outside, in their own front yards, because of the uptick we've seen in crime," she said.

A new poll from Virginia Commonwealth University released Tuesday shows Donald Trump with a slight advantage over President Biden in the Commonwealth. Vega credits Governor Glenn Youngkin with keeping Virginia in play. 

"Governor Youngkin has proven that common sense policies work and when you look at those policies, I believe we are seeing a shift and the shift is towards the Republican party," she said. 

Wednesday's theme at the RNC is set to be "Make America Strong Once Again," and will focus on foreign policy initiatives championed by Trump and the Republican Party.