Cotton proposes harsh penalties for immigration protesters in Los Angeles
Senator Tom Cotton is once again taking a hard-line stance on civil unrest, this time focusing on riots related to immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles. The Arkansas Republican, known for his controversial calls for military intervention during the 2020 racial justice riots, is introducing two new bills aimed at imposing strict penalties on violent protesters, particularly those targeting federal agents or who are in the country illegally.
Cotton’s proposed legislation includes the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act, which would automatically revoke visas and trigger deportation for any foreign national convicted of a crime during a protest. This would apply to offenses such as blocking traffic or defacing public property. Additionally, the Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness and Threats Act would increase the maximum punishment for participation in a riot from five years to 10 years and establish a mandatory minimum of one year in prison for participating in any riot-related act of violence or assaulting a member of federal law enforcement.
During a recent appearance on Fox News, Cotton defended his proposed measures, stating that it is not provocative to enforce federal law or carry out President Trump’s campaign promises. He emphasized that the behavior of protesters, including illegal aliens setting cars on fire while waving foreign flags and being joined by professional agitators from groups like Antifa and pro-Hamas sympathizers, was the real issue.
Critics have accused President Trump of breaking federal law by deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles without approval from Governor Gavin Newsom. However, Cotton argued that the law allows for the federalization of the National Guard to restore order and enforce federal law in such situations.
In light of the ongoing protests and violence in Los Angeles, Trump has hinted at the possibility of using the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty Marines to suppress demonstrations if necessary. Cotton reiterated that the Insurrection Act could provide the president with the option to use active-duty troops if the situation escalates.
Senator Cotton’s renewed focus on addressing civil unrest and violence in the context of immigration enforcement protests reflects his commitment to upholding law and order. By introducing legislation that imposes strict penalties on violent protesters, he aims to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the United States.
