Special Poll
The Republican Party is gearing up to push Democrats into another difficult and divisive vote on immigration, following last week’s passage of the Laken Riley Act in Congress.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Representative Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma plan to reintroduce a bill on Tuesday aimed at imposing stricter penalties on migrants who attempt to reenter the U.S. illegally after being removed. Often referred to as “Kate’s Law,” the bill is named after Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman who was tragically killed on a San Francisco pier by an undocumented immigrant with felony convictions who had been deported five times.
Committees in both the House and Senate are expected to move quickly on this legislation. Senator Chuck Grassley, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has already expressed his support, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune has signaled interest in forcing Democrats to confront tough votes on immigration and other contentious issues.
Within the Democratic Party, there is growing division over how to navigate these challenging votes. For example, during the vote on the Laken Riley Act, 46 House Democrats and 12 Senate Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, which mandates ICE to detain significantly more undocumented immigrants charged or convicted of crimes. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing pressure from some members to establish a clear and unified strategy to address these legislative battles.
Senator Cruz explained the origins of the bill, stating, “I first introduced the Stop Illegal Reentry Act, also known as Kate’s Law, a decade ago. It is named in honor of Kate Steinle, who was murdered by an illegal alien and convicted felon who had reentered our country.” Representative Bice added, “We must take a firm stance against individuals who continue to violate our laws and endanger the safety of the American people. The previous administration’s failure to enforce border security has left our country less safe.”
The proposed bill would increase the penalties for migrants attempting to reenter the U.S. illegally after being deported. Under the legislation, repeat offenders could face up to five years in prison, while those with multiple convictions or aggravated felonies who try to reenter could face a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of ten. The measure seeks to deter illegal reentry by imposing harsher consequences for those who repeatedly violate U.S. immigration laws.