GOP Bill Would Deport Any Illegal Immigrant Who Assaults a Cop

Republican lawmakers in the House have introduced a bill that would mandate the immediate deportation of any illegal immigrant or non-citizen who attacks a police officer. The move is aimed at addressing a surge in violent crime committed by illegal immigrants and other non-citizens crossing the southern border. The bill, called the POLICE Act, was unveiled on Tuesday by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R., N.Y.), and has six additional co-sponsors.

The bill’s sponsors argue that the current surge in illegal immigrants entering the U.S. is a result of the Biden administration’s weak enforcement of border restrictions. The rise in violent crime by these immigrants is a major concern for law enforcement officials.

The POLICE Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make any assault on a law enforcement officer a deportable offense for non-citizens. The Republican-controlled House is likely to approve the legislation. However, it’s passage in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, is expected to be more challenging.

Since President Biden took office, the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border who have been convicted of violent crimes has risen sharply. In 2022, Customs and Border Patrol apprehended over 12,000 such illegal immigrants, compared to only 2,438 in 2020.

Supporters of the POLICE Act believe that it is an essential step to combat the rise in violence that has spilled over into American communities across the country. Two officers were attacked when they responded to a 2021 incident at a youth facility in Long Island, New York, where around 50 unaccompanied illegal minors were staying. This incident sparked a heated debate about the placement of illegal immigrants in American communities.

Republicans argue that the surge at the southern border is allowing criminals to enter the U.S. and putting police officers and citizens at risk. They maintain that making violence against law enforcement officers a deportable offense is a common-sense proposal that will make American communities safer.