Sen. Britt Introduces POLICE Act to Deport Migrants Assaulting Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-AL, introduced the Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act on Monday, aiming to make assaulting law enforcement officers, firefighters, or other first responders by undocumented immigrants a deportable offense. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, builds on the recently passed Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented migrants arrested for theft-related crimes.

“The American people want to make sure our communities and our friends and neighbors are safe,” Britt said in a statement. “The passage of the Laken Riley Act was a big step forward in helping achieve this goal, but there is so much more that needs to be done, including passage of the POLICE Act.”

The POLICE Act would explicitly classify assault on first responders as a deportable offense, reinforcing the Trump administration‘s hardline immigration policies. Britt emphasized that the legislation would ensure the protection of law enforcement officers and first responders, stating, “I think all Americans should be able to agree that if you break our laws after coming here illegally, you should be quickly removed from our nation.”

Sen. Budd echoed Britt’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of supporting law enforcement. “One of the best ways we can support law enforcement officers, and protect the public, is by deporting dangerous people who do them harm,” Budd said. “If a migrant commits the crime of assaulting an officer or other first responder, they should be subject to immediate deportation.”

The introduction of the POLICE Act comes just days after the Laken Riley Act passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support and was sent to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The Laken Riley Act, which includes an amendment adding assault on law enforcement to the list of crimes requiring ICE detention, is expected to be the first bill signed into law under the new Trump administration.

Britt has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration measures, also cosponsoring legislation that would require states and municipalities to waive protections for undocumented migrants as a condition for receiving federal grants. Additionally, she introduced a bill to allocate $25 billion for the construction of a southern border wall, funded by closing loopholes and eliminating social services for undocumented migrants.

The POLICE Act has garnered support from several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, R-NC, Steve Daines, R-MT, Ted Cruz, R-TX, and James Lankford, R-OK. The bill is expected to face a better chance of advancing in the Republican-controlled Senate, unlike previous attempts in a Democratic-majority chamber.

This legislative push aligns with President Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which includes executive orders to deploy military personnel to the border and declare a national emergency. Federal agencies have also taken steps to reduce restrictions on ICE officers and review the use of parole by federal agencies.