New ICE leverage in form of BE GONE Act, targeting sexually violent offenders

Lawmakers are taking a stand against illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes with the introduction of a new bill called the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by Unnaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act. This bill aims to strengthen penalties for those who have committed such heinous acts and is a direct response to President Donald Trump’s “zero-tolerance” border crackdown.

The BE GONE Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, seeks to address the issue of sexual assault convictions among illegal immigrants. According to data obtained from ICE by Gonzales’ office, there are over 15,000 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions on their non-detained docket, out of a total of over 425,000 convicted criminals.

The bill formalizes the definition of “aggravated felonies” under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, expanding the criteria for deportation of criminal illegal aliens. Sen. Ernst emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of American citizens and working to deport every sexual predator allowed into the country by the Biden administration.

Rep. Gonzales, whose district includes major Mexican-border areas like Eagle Pass and Del Rio, highlighted the need for increased enforcement measures to identify and deport sexually violent illegal immigrants. He emphasized the importance of protecting communities from criminal alien crime and expressed his commitment to working with his colleagues to pass the BE GONE Act.

The BE GONE Act has garnered support from advocacy groups like NumbersUSA and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). These organizations see the legislation as a common-sense approach to addressing the issue of criminal illegal aliens and protecting American communities from harm.

The bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. Ernst, has a track record of advocating for victims of illegal immigrant crime. She was instrumental in passing Sarah’s Law earlier this year, named after Sarah Root, a victim of a fatal accident involving an illegal immigrant. The passage of the BE GONE Act would further strengthen efforts to ensure justice for victims and prevent future incidents of violence.

In conclusion, the BE GONE Act represents a crucial step towards enhancing enforcement measures against illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes. By codifying key aspects of President Trump’s border policies, lawmakers are sending a clear message that the safety and well-being of American citizens are top priorities. With bipartisan support and advocacy from various organizations, the bill has the potential to make a significant impact in addressing this pressing issue.