U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.), along with a coalition of Republican lawmakers, have introduced the Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act of 2025, a bill that would make assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder a deportable offense for non-citizens.
The legislation aims to strengthen federal immigration law by ensuring that any illegal immigrant who commits violence against first responders faces immediate removal from the country.
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Upon introducing the bill, Sen. Cruz underscored the importance of protecting law enforcement officers from violence, particularly from criminal non-citizens.
“When illegal aliens commit violent crimes against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder, they must be held fully accountable and be swiftly deported,” said Cruz. “I am proud to join Senator Budd and my colleagues in introducing commonsense legislation to ensure that this becomes law.”
If passed, the POLICE Act of 2025 would:
- Explicitly designate the assault of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as a deportable offense.
- Reinforce the federal government’s ability to remove non-citizens who pose a threat to public safety.
- Ensure stronger protections for police officers and emergency personnel who risk their lives to protect the public.
The bill comes amid growing concerns over violent crime involving illegal immigrants, with lawmakers pushing for tougher immigration enforcement to prevent repeat offenses.
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Supporters of the bill argue that law enforcement officers are increasingly at risk from violent offenders, including non-citizens who should not be in the country in the first place.
Sen. Budd emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Protecting the men and women who serve as first responders should be a top priority. This bill sends a clear message: If you attack a law enforcement officer or firefighter and you are here illegally, you will be deported.”
With Republicans controlling the Senate and House, the POLICE Act of 2025 stands a strong chance of advancing through Congress. However, it is expected to face opposition from Democrats and immigration advocacy groups, who argue that existing laws already cover deportation for violent crimes.
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As the immigration debate continues to dominate national politics, the POLICE Act could become a key legislative battle in the coming months.
The POLICE Act is being led in the House of Representatives by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.-02), while the Senate bill has gained backing from several Republican co-sponsors, including:
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
- Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.)
- Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.)
- Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)
- Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)
- Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.)
- Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.)
- Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)
- Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
- Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.)
- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.)
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