S.212 - Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2025; POLICE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.212, the POLICE Act of 2025, aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make the assault of a law enforcement officer a deportable offense. It mandates the Department of Homeland Security to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of aliens deported for assaulting law enforcement officers. The bill defines 'assault' and 'law enforcement officer' within the context of this legislation.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased deportations of aliens convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. It would also increase the workload of the Department of Homeland Security, requiring them to track and report these deportations annually. The bill may also deter such assaults due to the increased risk of deportation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection for law enforcement officers.
- Potential reduction in assaults against law enforcement.
- Increased accountability for aliens who commit such crimes.
- Improved public safety by removing individuals who pose a threat to law enforcement.
- Greater clarity in immigration law regarding offenses against law enforcement.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased strain on the immigration court system.
- Risk of disproportionate impact on certain communities.
- Possible challenges in defining 'assault' consistently across jurisdictions.
- Concerns about due process for those accused of assault.
- Potential for the law to be used in cases of minor altercations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the federal government's power to regulate immigration and deportations, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. However, concerns may arise regarding due process rights under the Fifth Amendment, particularly in cases where the definition of 'assault' may vary across jurisdictions. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and the definition of assault could potentially encroach on state law.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).