Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has reintroduced the Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act, aiming to make assaulting a law enforcement officer grounds for deportation. This renewed effort comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding immigration reform in Congress.

The POLICE Act explicitly states that any immigrant convicted of, admitting to, or confessing to actions that constitute assaulting a law enforcement officer is deportable. While the bill faced challenges in the previously Democratic-controlled Senate, its chances of passage are anticipated to be higher with the Republican majority. A companion bill also exists in the House of Representatives.

Senator Budd emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement and public safety by deporting individuals who pose a threat. He stated that assaulting an officer should result in immediate deportation for immigrants. He urged lawmakers to prioritize and act upon this proposal.

The bill has garnered support from a dozen co-sponsors in the Senate, including Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and James Lankford (R-OK).

The reintroduction of this legislation coincides with other legislative efforts related to immigration, including the recently passed Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related offenses. Additional proposals address issues such as reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy and reviewing humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status programs.

Federal agencies are also implementing related changes, including adjustments to ICE officer restrictions and reviews of parole practices.