Harshbarger Joins Colleagues in Effort to Double Federal Penalty for Assaulting ICE Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) joined Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), and Congressman Brad Knott (R-NC-13) in introducing the Protect and Respect ICE Act, which will double criminal penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding an ICE officer or employee. 

“Protecting America starts with protecting those sworn to defend it. While the brave men and women of ICE risk their lives to arrest and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens, assaults on our agents have skyrocketed because of the radical Left’s rhetoric. President Trump has always stood firmly behind our law enforcement with a tough-on-crime stance, and I’m proud to do the same. That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in an effort to double the penalty for assaulting an ICE agent. If someone dares to attack our law enforcement officers, there needs to be real, serious consequences.” - Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger

Background:

• As of July 9, the White House reported a 700% increase in assaults against ICE agents. This past July, ICE agents were attacked brutally in Portland, Oregon by three protestors fueled by leftist rhetoric and in possession of an incendiary device.
• In Texas, 11 people attacked an ICE facility and fired shots at federal agents. Violent perpetrators are becoming more brazen, particularly in liberal cities where decorum and public safety go unenforced. This bill’s expanded penalties are essential for deterrence and are the duly appropriate consequence for assaults on ICE agents.

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