New GOP Legislation Expands Crime List Targeting Illegal Immigrants

EXCLUSIVE: A new legislative proposal will be introduced on Tuesday aimed at broadening the list of crimes that would mandate the detention of migrants. The proposed bill, known as the Safeguarding American Property Act, seeks to add offenses such as arson, vandalism, and trespassing to the categories of crimes that compel federal authorities to take illegal migrants into custody.

Representative Troy Downing from Montana expressed his thoughts on the significance of property rights in a statement to Fox News Digital. He emphasized that “Property rights are a fundamental American value.” His remarks come in light of a growing concern over certain criminal activities affecting property owners.

Downing further stated, “Those who disregard our laws by committing acts of vandalism or trespassing on private property, especially those who broke our laws crossing our borders, must not be allowed to remain. This bill builds on the good work of the Laken Riley Act and takes another step toward reversing Biden’s border crisis. I appreciate the support of the bill’s cosponsors, and I look forward to getting this legislation passed into law to keep our communities safe.”

The proposed act would serve as an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural communities with limited law enforcement resources, Downing’s legislation intends to enhance protection for property owners in these areas.

Along the southern border, numerous properties reported damage linked to the influx of migrants during the Biden administration. This situation prompted the state of Texas to establish the Landowner Compensation Program, designed to provide restitution to agricultural communities affected by criminal actions.

According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, illegal activities attributed to migrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border result in significant destruction to agricultural land. He stated in May 2024, “Illegal aliens crossing the Texas-Mexico border at Joe Biden’s invitation leave behind a trail of destruction that harms Texas agricultural land. This program will provide needed relief to Texans whose property is damaged by foreign aliens waved into the country by the federal government. I am glad to help the farmers and ranchers on our borderlands who bear the costs of Biden’s destructive policies.”

Downing’s proposal is a direct extension of the Laken Riley Act, signed into law by Donald Trump earlier this year. The Laken Riley Act garnered bipartisan support and established specific triggers for federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants, such as theft or assaulting an officer, leading to potential deportation.

The Laken Riley Act is named after a late nursing student, Laken Riley, who tragically lost her life in an incident involving an illegal immigrant while jogging on her university campus in Georgia. The individual involved, Jose Ibarra, had a prior arrest record but was not placed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Currently, Ibarra faces life imprisonment.

Trump previously remarked on the situation, stating, “This horrific atrocity should never have been allowed to happen. And as president, I’m fighting every single day to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.” His statement underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.

The push for stricter immigration measures comes alongside ongoing debates about how to effectively manage immigration and border security. Proponents of such legislation argue that enhancing the legal framework for detaining illegal immigrants would deter crime and protect communities.

As the proposed legislation moves forward, it seeks to address the fears of many property owners and residents living near the border. The growing sentiment among supporters emphasizes the importance of secure and law-abiding communities as a foundational aspect of American life.

It remains to be seen how this new proposal will be received by lawmakers across the political spectrum, especially in the context of broader immigration reform discussions. Advocates are hopeful that this bill can clear legislative hurdles and take effect quickly.

As public sentiment shifts regarding immigration and safety, the outcome of this proposal could have significant implications for law enforcement practices and community relations throughout the nation.

This evolving legislative landscape highlights the continuous struggle to balance national security, immigration policies, and the protection of individual rights. By targeting illegal immigration more aggressively, lawmakers aim to address the growing concerns of their constituents.

While the proposal is still in its early stages, it reflects the Republican Party’s broader strategy to champion tough-on-crime policies amid ongoing debates about how best to secure the nation’s borders and protect American citizens.

Fox News’ Diana Stacy contributed to this report.