Austin News

On January 16, 2025, U.S. Senator John Cornyn proposed an amendment to the Laken Riley Act in Washington. The amendment mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain illegal immigrants who assault law enforcement officers. The Senate adopted this amendment with a vote of 70-25.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of adding assault on law enforcement officers to the list of crimes covered by the legislation. He stated, "Anyone who comes into the country illegally and harms these brave men and women in uniform is dangerous, and dangerous not only to our first responders but also to the safety and security of all Texans and communities all around the country."

Cornyn criticized the Biden-Harris administration for releasing individuals who commit such crimes back into society. He referenced an incident from February in New York City where seven people were arrested for assaulting police officers outside a migrant shelter in Times Square. Cornyn pointed out that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg decided to release five suspects without bail, arguing, "There is no question that these criminals should have been detained and removed before they could go on and commit other crimes against innocent victims."

The senator's amendment aims to ensure that ICE promptly takes custody of migrants who assault law enforcement officers, stating it would ensure "illegal migrants who commit crimes against the men and women in blue are swiftly detained so they can be removed from our country."