SE North Carolina News

Today in Washington, D.C., Senator Ted Budd reintroduced the Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen federal law by making the assault of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder a deportable offense.

The POLICE Act builds upon the historic Laken Riley Act, which mandates U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain any illegal alien who assaults law enforcement personnel. Senator Budd had previously led this initiative during the 118th Congress but faced opposition from the former Democrat Senate majority.

This reintroduction sees support from several co-sponsors including Senators Thom Tillis, Steve Daines, Katie Britt, Ted Cruz, Eric Schmitt, Bill Hagerty, James Lankford, Roger Marshall, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Kevin Cramer, Jim Justice, and Tim Sheehy.

In parallel with Senator Budd's efforts in the Senate, Representative Andrew Garbarino is leading a corresponding bill in the House known as H.R. 31.

Senator Budd stated: "One of the best ways we can support law enforcement officers and protect the public is by deporting dangerous people who do them harm. If a migrant commits the crime of assaulting an officer or other first responder, they should be subject to immediate deportation. Our lawmakers must always back the men and women who protect and serve our communities. We must act on this vital proposal."