Grassley, Cruz Seek to Boost Penalties for Repeat Criminal Illegal Immigrants

WASHINGTON– Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing theStop Illegal Reentry Act. The legislation would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who illegally enters the country with multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“America is a sovereign nation, and our borders shouldn’t be abused. We need tougher penalties for individuals who re-enter our country illegally, especially those who do so with a criminal history. TheStop Illegal Reentry Actwould help keep dangerous criminals off the streets and crack down on those who consistently disregard our nation’s immigration laws,”Grassley said.
“I first introduced theStop Illegal Reentry Act, also known asKate’s Law, a decade ago. It is named in honor of Kate Steinle, who was murdered by an illegal alien and convicted felon who had reentered our country. President Trump and the new Republican Congress are taking decisive action to restore order and address the chaos created by the Biden administration. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and pass it expeditiously,”Cruz said.
Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) cosponsor the bill.
Find bill textHERE.
Background:
TheStop Illegal Reentry Actwas inspired by Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman tragically shot and killed by an illegal immigrant with several felony convictions who had previously been deported five times. In 2015, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassleyconvened a hearingwith testimonies from the Steinle family and others who lost loved ones to criminal illegal immigrants.
Earlier this month, the Senatepassedthe Grassley-backedLaken Riley Actto detain illegal immigrants found guilty of theft or burglary. Among the amendments adopted to the bill wasSarah’s Law, legislation Grassley co-led alongside Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to hold accountable illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes.
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