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Deport illegal immigrants convicted of driving under the influence (DUI)—that’s the mandate of a new bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 246–160 vote. Introduced by Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), the legislation received bipartisan support, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans to back the measure aimed at protecting American lives and enforcing immigration laws.
Deport Illegal Immigrants: Bipartisan Shift in the House
For years, calls to deport illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes have grown louder across the country. This legislation reflects a bipartisan acknowledgment that driving under the influence is not just a traffic violation—it’s a dangerous crime with potentially fatal consequences.
Among the Democrats who voted in favor were Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), Don Davis (D-NC), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), all of whom represent moderate or swing districts where constituents are increasingly demanding stricter immigration enforcement.
Tragedy Behind the Bill: Jeremy, Angel, and Officer Mendoza
The legislation is named after Jeremy and Angel Seay, a married couple killed in Alabama by an illegal immigrant with a DUI history. It also honors Officer Brandon Mendoza, an Arizona police officer killed in a head-on collision with an intoxicated illegal immigrant.
These preventable deaths fueled public outrage and gave moral urgency to the bill. Supporters argue that failing to deport illegal immigrants with DUI convictions sends the wrong message and puts American lives at risk.
Legislative Details: Mandatory Deportation for DUI Offenders
The bill establishes:
- Automatic deportation for illegal immigrants convicted of DUI.
- Permanent inadmissibility to the U.S. for those deported under this law.
- Priority removal status, ensuring expedited action for DUI offenders.
This approach eliminates case-by-case discretion, replacing it with mandatory removal policies that streamline enforcement and close existing legal loopholes.
Democratic Opposition: A Split on Immigration Policy
Despite bipartisan support, the majority of House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), opposed the bill. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) criticized the bill during committee debate, claiming it lacked statistical evidence linking immigration status to higher DUI rates.
She argued that while the bill addresses individual tragedies, it “does nothing to repair our broken immigration system,” and instead risks stigmatizing immigrant communities. However, critics of this stance argue that defending illegal immigrants with DUI convictions undercuts the rule of law and public safety.
Moore Responds: Safety Over Partisan Politics
Rep. Barry Moore dismissed Democratic criticism, stating, “It’s astonishing that 160 Democrats would vote against a bill to deport illegal immigrants who endanger American lives. If protecting our communities from drunk drivers isn’t a bipartisan issue, what is?”
Moore emphasized the bill is not an attack on immigration but a stand for justice. “This is about law, order, and honoring victims whose lives were cut short due to government inaction.”
What’s Next: Senate Vote and Executive Action
The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate. With the chamber nearly evenly divided, its fate is uncertain. Should it pass, the final step would be presidential approval. Former President Donald Trump, should he return to office, has expressed strong support for this kind of legislation and would likely sign it into law immediately.
Deport Illegal Immigrants: National Polls and Public Support
Surveys show broad public support for measures to deport illegal immigrants convicted of violent or dangerous crimes. Across political lines, Americans overwhelmingly agree that drunk driving is a public safety threat deserving of strong consequences—especially when committed by those who are in the country illegally.
For voters concerned with both border security and criminal justice, this bill strikes a resonant chord and could become a defining issue in upcoming elections.
Conclusion
The House’s decision to deport illegal immigrants convicted of DUI sends a clear and firm message: violating both immigration and criminal law will no longer be tolerated without consequence. As the nation waits to see how the Senate acts, one thing is certain—this issue will remain at the forefront of the national conversation on crime, justice, and immigration reform.
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