Bipartisan Lawmakers Unveil BE GONE Act to Toughen Penalties for Sex Offenses by Illegal Immigrants

In a coordinated initiative coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a group of bipartisan legislators has introduced the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by Unnaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act. This new bill focuses on enhancing penalties for illegal immigrants found guilty of sex-related crimes.

Overview of the BE GONE Act

The BE GONE Act seeks to solidify certain elements of the stringent immigration policies advocated by former President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on sexual predators within the illegal immigrant population. The bill’s introduction is co-led by Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa and Representative Tony Gonzales from Texas.

Key Data and Context

Recent data obtained by Gonzales’s office from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlights the seriousness of the issue. Out of 425,431 convicted criminals within the ICE “non-detained docket,” approximately 15,811 have sexual assault convictions. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for legislative action.

Strengthening Immigration Definitions

The proposed legislation aims to broaden the classification of “aggravated felonies” under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, also referred to as Title 8. Senator Ernst emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “The health and safety of our citizens must always come first.” She expressed urgency in addressing the issue, declaring, “These violent, criminal illegal aliens need to BE GONE!”

Local Impacts

Representative Gonzales represents key areas along the Texas-Mexico border, including Eagle Pass and Del Rio, which have been significantly affected by illegal immigration issues. He commented on previous administrations’ policies that, in his view, hampered Border Patrol’s effectiveness. “Thousands of these criminal illegal aliens had a sexual violence charge on their record,” Gonzales noted, indicating the pressing nature of the problem.

Support from Advocacy Groups

The BE GONE Act has garnered backing from several immigration reform groups, including NumbersUSA. According to Michael Hough, the organization’s director of federal affairs, the legislation is a “common sense” extension of previous measures aimed at bolstering public safety.

Urgency for Legislative Action

Joe Chatham, an official from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), echoed the need for rapid progression of the BE GONE Act, asserting that it is crucial to safeguard American communities from crimes committed by illegal immigrants. He pointed out shocking statistics, revealing that last year alone, there were over 16,300 aliens in the U.S. convicted of sexual assault.

Conclusion

This new bill represents a significant step towards addressing the issues associated with illegal immigration and violent crimes. As lawmakers prepare to advance the BE GONE Act, the potential changes to immigration law may play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of communities across the nation.