Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) is cosponsoring the Protect and Respect ICE Act, which strengthens criminal penalties for attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), the bill comes as attacks against ICE agents have skyrocketed at an alarming 700%, which Republicans say is the result of Democrats' public demonization of the agency and its employees.
In July, a man opened fire on ICE agents in McAllen, Texas, forcing the agents to return fire, and a similar attack perpetrated by several shooters occurred in Alvarado that same month.
Hence, Rep. Hinson's introduction of the bill, which is being introduced in the Senate by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO).
"America's courageous ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to uphold the rule of law and protect our citizens from violent, criminal illegal aliens," said Rep. Hinson in her press release, adding, "Instead of standing with law enforcement, the radical Left sides with dangerous illegal aliens and even wants to strip ICE agents of the gear that keeps them safe. That's unacceptable. Anyone who assaults an ICE agent must face the harshest possible punishment. That's why I am fighting to double the federal penalty for attacks on ICE agents. We will never back down in defending our law enforcement, we will never tolerate unhinged assaults on ICE, and we will not stop until every single illegal alien is deported, and our communities are safe."
Other cosponsors include Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Brad Knott (R-NC).
"I want to thank Representative Hinson and Representative Knott for introducing the Protect and Respect ICE Act to protect our selfless ICE Agents as they protect our nation from illegal invaders," said Rep. Hamadeh. "I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill and support of President Trump's law and order agenda."
