HARRISBURG – Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) and Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) have introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for criminals who commit offenses against federal immigration enforcement officers and agents operating in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 1021 would ensure that individuals who assault, threaten or obstruct immigration enforcement personnel face consequences that reflect the severity of their crimes.
“Immigration enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to enforce the law and protect our communities from dangerous criminal activity,” Gebhard said. “They deserve our full support and protection from the escalating threats and violence directed against them.”
“Every sovereign nation depends on the rule of law,” Mastriano said. “Immigration enforcement officers are tasked with carrying out that mission on behalf of the American people, yet they are being assaulted, threatened and obstructed at alarming rates. In Pennsylvania, we will not look the other way. This legislation ensures that criminals who target federal officers face justice, and it reaffirms our commitment to law and order.”
Nationwide, immigration enforcement officers have faced a troubling rise in violent attacks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently reported an 830% increase in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers compared to the previous year. Specific documented incidents include:
- More than 1,000 rioters surrounding a federal law enforcement building in Los Angeles, assaulting ICE officers, slashing tires and defacing federal property.
- A July 4th attack on a Texas ICE detention facility which resulted in the charging of 10 suspects with terrorism and aggravated assault on public servants with deadly weapons.
- An ICE officer being dragged 50 yards by a car while arresting a suspect.
- Organized efforts to release personal information of ICE officers and their families, also known as doxxing, putting them at risk from criminal organizations.
- An attack at an ICE facility in Dallas which took the life of one detainee and injured two others.
“These officers have been swarmed by rioters, doxxed online alongside their families, dragged by vehicles while making arrests and attacked at their own facilities,” Gebhard said. “No one should have to fear for their life or their family’s safety simply because they enforce our nation’s laws.”
“Pennsylvania families deserve safe neighborhoods free from the violence of criminal organizations and illegal activity,” Mastriano said. “Immigration enforcement officers play a vital role in keeping dangerous criminals off our streets. By protecting them from threats and attacks, we are also protecting our communities, our children and the future of our commonwealth.”
CONTACTS: Alex Gamble (Gebhard)
Donald Beishl (Mastriano)