Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
FIRST ON FOX: House Republicans unveiled a new legislative proposal on Wednesday, named the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act. This bill seeks to significantly increase penalties for illegal immigrants engaged in criminal activities. The sponsors assert that these legislative changes can effectively disrupt organized crime networks operating in the United States.
Rep. Brad Knott from North Carolina, one of the bill’s primary sponsors, highlighted that the legislation garners substantial support within the House. He noted that influential members of the Trump administration have expressed strong backing for the initiative.
This legislative move comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to secure national borders and target high-risk illegal immigrants. The administration has made an explicit commitment to be “ruthlessly aggressive” in combating criminal organizations that threaten American communities.
During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Knott emphasized the urgency of congressional action to implement permanent measures aimed at deterring hardened criminals who have turned organized crime into a lucrative business in the U.S. He stated, “There is a very real set group of criminals that a wall and deportations alone are wholly insufficient to deter from coming to the United States to commit crime.”
Knott shared his firsthand experience as a prosecutor, noting the repeated instances of criminals who, after being deported multiple times, returned solely to engage in illicit activities. He mentioned various forms of crime, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Moreover, Knott pointed out that laws currently provide a low-risk incentive for criminals, including notorious migrant gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, to exploit opportunities in the U.S. He remarked, “Two years is no deterrent. I prosecuted cartel members, and if they received a 24-month sentence, it would not hinder their criminal operations whatsoever.”
Reflecting on his tenure as a federal prosecutor, Knott recounted numerous cases of illegal felons reoffending after deportation. He recounted a conversation with a repeat offender who expressed, “Why wouldn’t I?” When questioned about his repeated return to the U.S. His answer revealed that he could earn more money in a safer environment, despite the dangers that his actions imposed on the community.
Knott clarified that the new legislation aims to bridge existing legal gaps, categorizing illegal aliens who commit crimes within a distinct classification. Should it pass into law, the proposed bill would escalate the penalties for crimes committed by illegal immigrants from a maximum of two years to a mandatory minimum of five years for offenses carrying a one-year prison term.
Additionally, under the law, individuals removed from the U.S. who later re-enter illegally could face up to ten years in prison. For those illegal felons who have been previously expelled and return to commit further offenses, penalties would rise to a minimum of ten years and potentially face a life sentence.
Knott emphasized that the flexibility to deport individuals remains an option while increasing legal penalties serves to eliminate the motivation for entering the country illegally to engage in crime.
The congressman stated, “Flexibility is what law enforcement needs to combat this issue on a personalized basis.” He acknowledges the importance of maintaining border security and deportations but insists that closing legal loopholes is essential for effective crime prevention.
Knott added that a well-structured immigration system should benefit the nation positively. He warned that an absence of consequences for those seeking to commit crimes in the U.S. can undermine any attempts to establish a healthy immigration framework.
