(RepublicanJournal.org) – Police officers have one of the most dangerous jobs. They put their lives on the line every time they suit up and head to work. In January, several illegal immigrants attacked two NYPD officers in Times Square. Now, House lawmakers are trying to ensure that those who commit these crimes face the ultimate consequence: deportation.
As part of National Police Week, the House voted on HR 7343, known as the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, on the evening of Wednesday, May 15. The legislation calls for the deportation of any illegal immigrant who assaults a police officer. Federal authorities would hold the suspect until they could be removed from the country. In a release, Republicans said it “highlight[s] our continued support for America’s law enforcement officers.”
The act was introduced by GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ). Several Republicans also backed the measure. The legislation passed, 265 to 148, with 54 Democrats siding with the GOP. All votes in opposition were Democrats. Seventeen lawmakers abstained from voting, including 11 Democrats and six Republicans.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) made it clear that in voting the way they did, “the Democrat[ic] Party proves they are the most anti-law enforcement party in history.”
There have been numerous instances of illegal immigrants attacking police officers. In New York City earlier this year, several were arrested for attacking officers. The entire violent encounter was caught on camera. Yet, the city’s lax bail laws meant they were back out on the streets shortly after they were detained with a notice to appear in court. The immigrants continued to show disregard for their situation by flipping off cameras. Some even fled west to avoid criminal prosecution.
Critics of the law say that the state definitions of assault vary too widely to enforce the law and indefinite jailing is unprecedented.
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