The U.S. House recently passed a bill titled “Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act” (H.R. 594), mandating that illegal immigrants who assault law enforcement officers be detained and subject to deportation.
The legislation passed by a vote of 265 to 148, with 54 Democrats voting in favor.
Under the bill, any non‑U.S. national arrested, charged with, or convicted of assaulting a police officer, firefighter, or first responder would be taken into DHS custody.
Supporters argue the measure is essential to uphold respect for law enforcement and the rule of law. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R‑NJ) called it a necessary step to prevent illegal aliens who attack officers from remaining in the country.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticized Democrats who opposed the bill, accusing them of putting criminals’ interests above public safety.
Opponents argue the bill raises serious civil liberties and due process concerns and could be broadly and unfairly applied.
Notably, many prominent Democrats — including Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Nancy Pelosi, Cori Bush, and Rashida Tlaib — were among the 148 Democrats who voted against the legislation.l
If you like, I can also provide the responses from civil rights groups or legal analyses of whether the bill would face constitutional challenges.