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Congressman Van Drew Introduces Bill to Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Law Enforcement

Washington, February 13, 2024 | Ashley Brown ((202) 225-6572)

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew introduced the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the detention and deportation of illegal aliens who assault law enforcement.

"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," said Congressman Van Drew. "My bill would require that federal law enforcement detain these individuals until they are deported from the country. In addition, it will create a new category for migrant inadmissibility, which specifically bars illegal aliens from remaining in our country who have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admitted to committing assault against law enforcement officers. 

"Our police put their lives on the line every day to keep our citizens safe – you do not get to break our law by crossing the border illegally, attack those whose job is to protect and defend the public, and then expect to stay in the United States. Unfortunately, until our borders are closed and secured, these types of laws are necessary to protect our nation and its citizens." 

Background: 

On January 27, 2024, four NYPD officers were violently attacked by a group of illegal aliens. Two of these illegal aliens have yet to be arrested and four are out on bail. It has also been reported that some of the illegal aliens involved in the attack took a bus ride to the west coast using taxpayer dollars. If enacted at the time, the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act would have ensured these illegal aliens were quickly detained, remained in detention during processing their case, and then immediately deported.  

This bill:

  • Strengthens public safety by ensuring that illegal aliens who engage in violent acts against law enforcement are quickly identified, detained, and deported. 
  • Aims to deter violence against law enforcement by making clear that immigration law violations coupled with criminal acts against officers will lead to swift and decisive action. 
Click here to read the text of the bill.