The GOP-controlled House passed a measure that would require the federal government to deport any illegal immigrant who assaults a police officer over the objections of a majority of Democrats.
The legislation passed with a vote of 265 to 148, with 54 Democrats siding with the GOP. The Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act is the name of the legislation, which Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., is leading.
“There is no reason that an illegal alien who attacks our law enforcement should remain in our country; that shows zero respect for our rule of law or our institutions, and they will not be positive contributors to society,” Van Drew said.
The bill mandates that federal authorities hold illegal immigrants in custody until deportation. It also establishes a new category of migrant inadmissibility, specifically targeting illegal immigrants accused of assaulting police, according to Van Drew.
After the bill passed, Rep. Tom Emmer, the House Majority Whip and No. 3 Republican, said, “House Democrats just voted to protect violent, illegal immigrants over our brave law enforcement officers. Once again, the Democrat Party proves they are the most anti-law enforcement party in history.”