Sheriff Thaddeus C. Cleveland

Sheriff Thaddeus C. Cleveland currently serves as the Sheriff of Terrell County, Texas. He was first appointed to the position on May 17, 2022, and was later elected to continue his service. Sheriff Cleveland brings more than 26 years of experience with the United States Border Patrol, including 11 years as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Sanderson Border Patrol Station. Before joining the Border Patrol, he proudly served in the United States Air Force.

Throughout his Border Patrol career, Sheriff Cleveland held several key assignments that broadened U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission and operational reach. He served as an advisor on Border Patrol operations with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, with U.S. Army North at Fort Sam Houston, and within the CBP Commissioner’s Office of Anti-Terrorism and the Office of State, Local, and Tribal Liaison in Washington, D.C.

Sheriff Cleveland has also been an active member of the Terrell County community. He served eight years on the Terrell County Independent School District Board of Trustees, including four years as Board President. In addition, he served on the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District and the Terrell County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Since taking office as Sheriff, he has successfully coordinated border security operations in Terrell County with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Military Forces, and the U.S. Border Patrol, strengthening public safety efforts across local, state, and federal partners.

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What is your current position?

Sheriff, Terrell County, Texas

Retired from the U.S. Border Patrol – just over 26 years of service

What inspired you to choose this career path?

It was part of God’s plan for my life. Our former Sheriff, Santiago Gonzalez Jr., suffered a medical episode and passed away with just over a year in office. Like me, Santiago was a Veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, serving 30 years. I had served just over 26 years, and I knew it was time to care for my home county in a different way, while still supporting the U.S. Border Patrol.

I was appointed Sheriff in May 2022 and later elected in November 2022. Terrell County is where I was raised and graduated from high school. I was raised by my grandmother here, and I was loved and supported by so many in this community. It was time for me to give back to the people who helped shape who I am

How did you hear about the Claremont Institute?

I was initially contacted by Annalyssa and scheduled to participate last year. However, due to an unexpected event in my community, I had to cancel at the last minute. Fortunately, Annalyssa graciously allowed me to participate this year.

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

I truly enjoyed the topics covered in each session of the fellowship. Not only did I learn a great deal, but the experience also sparked a desire to further expand my knowledge in many of these areas, which is something I believe will help me become a better Sheriff for my community. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the friendships I formed with the ten other Sheriffs who participated in the fellowship. Those connections are something I will value for years to come.

What would you discuss, if you could have a sit down conversation with Border Czar Tom Homan (White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations)?

Tom and I both served in the U.S. Border Patrol and have spent our careers working on Border Security and Immigration. I know we share similar views on these issues. One thing I’ve never asked him, and would be interested to learn, is why he chose to leave the U.S. Border Patrol and whether he has any regrets about that decision. Tom and I both understand what it means, and what it takes, to be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. It’s an organization that requires a unique set of skills and experience, one that you can’t simply draw from any other area of law enforcement and expect someone to step into seamlessly.

What would the artifact be, if you could hold one piece of history from the early founding of our country, and why?

I believe the Declaration of Independence would be the artifact I’d want to hold, specifically, the copy that was sent to General George Washington. Washington did not sign the original Declaration because he was not in Pennsylvania at the time. As President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock sent Washington his first official copy, which Washington then read to his troops on July 9, 1776, in New York City. The purpose of this reading was to rally the soldiers and prepare them for the battles ahead. I can only imagine the emotion and determination felt by those troops as they listened to George Washington share the words that would define a nation.

What qualities do you believe are necessary for effective leadership?

When a leader shows both trust and empathy, they create an environment where people feel respected, motivated, and willing to go the extra mile. In law enforcement, especially in a role like Sheriff, these traits strengthen relationships not only within the department, but also within the community.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge currently facing the United States?

Shifting social values and greater emphasis on inclusion, individual expression, gender roles, and questioning traditional institutions. These evolving values influence everything from politics to education to community life.

What do you believe has led to our established culture redefining itself in the 21^st Century?

A lack of faith in God, along with a decline in empathy for others, has played a significant role in our established culture redefining itself in the 21st century. For many generations, faith and shared moral foundations helped guide how people treated one another, how communities supported their neighbors, and how society understood concepts like responsibility, service, and sacrifice. As faith becomes less central in many people’s lives, some of those shared values have weakened, creating a sense of moral drift and uncertainty about what truly anchors our society.

At the same time, empathy, our ability to understand, respect, and care about one another, has also diminished in many places. We see more division, more isolation, and more hostility, often amplified by technology and social media. Instead of listening to each other or seeking common ground, people are more likely to retreat into separate groups or attack opposing viewpoints. When empathy fades, so does our ability to work together, resolve conflicts, and build strong communities.

What book, speech, or movie has left a lasting impression with you and why?

First and foremost, God’s inspired word, the Bible.

Additionally, I really enjoyed the book Goats of West Point. It highlights the stories of cadets who graduated at the bottom of their class, known as “goats”, yet went on to rise above the ranks through determination, creativity, and sheer ingenuity. The book shows that success isn’t always defined by initial performance, but by perseverance, character, and the ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

Do you have a favorite quote?  Why does it resonate with you?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God – Philippians 4:6 

I was raised in a Christian family where prayer was a central part of daily life. I have continued that practice throughout my own life, frequently communicating with God. I believe that God has blessed me, and continues to do so, because of my reliance on Him through prayer.

Philippians 4:6, reminds me to bring every concern, every decision, and every hope to God in prayer.

What is the most distinctive attribute/character of the people in Terrell County, Texas you genuinely admire?

I believe the one word that best describes Terrell County is “resiliency.” We have faced floods, a tornado, and significant economic shifts, yet our community always stands together. In times of need, neighbors support one another without hesitation, demonstrating a strength and unity that defines who we are.

What do you believe are the top three law enforcement issues currently facing America?

1. Criminal Organizations’ Use of Technology

Criminal enterprises are leveraging technology to stay ahead of law enforcement, coordinating operations, and funding their activities in increasingly sophisticated ways.

2. Funding for Law Enforcement

Adequate resources are essential for personnel, equipment, and training. Without proper funding, agencies struggle to maintain readiness and provide effective public safety.

3. Political Rhetoric and Media Reporting

The way certain issues are portrayed in political discourse and media coverage can inflame tensions, sometimes complicating law enforcement efforts and community relations.

What do you believe can be done to prioritize hardening soft targets in today’s volatile environment, i.e., schools?

Local school districts and law enforcement agencies must work closely together to implement clear policies for threat assessments, emergency response, and ongoing reassessment of vulnerabilities. Additionally, federal and state funding is essential to support security upgrades, mental health programs, and comprehensive emergency preparedness. 

In Texas, many communities face challenges in meeting the state mandate for a School Resource Officer. To address this, the Guardian Plan allows school districts to train and arm selected school employees. I believe this program is a viable option that not only enhances preparedness but may also serve as a deterrent to potential threats.

At the end of a stressful day what brings you peace of mind?

My faith in Christianity, along with the love and support of my family, gives me the strength and courage to face and overcome even the most stressful days.

What would the message be, if you could communicate one thing to politicians and Americans alike about the importance of policing?

Law enforcement is not designed to take people’s rights away; rather, we exist to protect those rights. Our role is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live safely and peacefully within their community.