Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) that would trigger the automatic deportation and secure the permanent inadmissibility of illegal aliens who drive under the influence passed the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Currently, DUIs are not included on the list of crimes that trigger an automatic deportation of illegal immigrants. Former President Joe Biden previously said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents should “only arrest for the purpose of dealing with a felony that’s been committed, and I do not count drunk driving as a felony.”
Moore’s bill would trigger ICE to immediately begin deportation proceedings for illegal aliens who are arrested for driving while intoxicated or impaired. Moore filed similar legislation last year. It passed the House but failed to receive any Senate deliberation.
"Today, we consider a simple common-sense bill that says if you're a guest in our country and you drive drunk, you should, in fact, be deported,” Moore said. “Now, to the average American, passing this bill is a no-brainer. Even in a polarized time, Democrats should be able to join Republicans and unanimously support such reasonable legislation. After all, deporting dangerous criminals is a rational, normal, and coherent step that this House should take. Unfortunately, I am skeptical that we will see much agreement from my Democrat colleagues on this bill. Regardless, I am thankful the House is considering HR 875, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brendan Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act."
After passing the House with a vote of 209-160, the bill will now go to the U.S. Senate for deliberation.
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