Staff Reports
More than 50 Democrats broke ranks to support a bill that would authorize officials to deport any illegal immigrant who assaults a police officer. This move highlights the challenges facing Democrats and President Joe Biden on immigration policies, as the president’s approval rating for handling the issue has reached a new low.
The “Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act,” introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), underscores the Republican Party’s emphasis on law and order and puts pressure on vulnerable Democrats to take a tough stand. Van Drew, who left the Democratic Party over disagreements regarding the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump, is taking a strong stance on immigration enforcement.
Republicans drive wedge into Democratic coalition with bill threatening deportations for assaulting police officers – Washington Examiner https://t.co/Sb1hkFt9he
— Deenie (@deenie7940) May 16, 2024
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is among the Democrats whom Republicans had anticipated would support the bill in the House. Gallego, who is in the midst of a Senate race in the pivotal state of Arizona, is seeking to build support among voters who are concerned about illegal immigration. His willingness to back this bill demonstrates a shift toward more centrist positions, and he is not alone. In fact, 54 Democratic representatives broke ranks to vote in favor of the bill.
Reps. Susie Lee (D-NV), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Pat Ryan (D-NY) also represent a growing number of vulnerable members who have distanced themselves from progressive positions, recognizing the frustration among voters with the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis. This broad support for the bill suggests a significant divergence within the Democratic Party on immigration issues.
