House Approves Bill Targeting Noncitizens Who Harm Law Enforcement Animals

On Thursday, the House voted largely along party lines, approving a bill opposed by nearly all Democrats. The measure focuses on noncitizens who injure animals used in law enforcement.

The vote ended with 228 in favor and 190 against, with just 15 Democrats joining all Republicans in support.

Named the Injury to Official Animals Act (BOWOW), the bill was introduced by Rep. Ken Calvert, a Republican from California. It would allow for the deportation of noncitizens convicted or admitting to injuring law enforcement animals, effectively barring them from reentering the U.S.

Calvert noted, “The dogs and horses that assist law enforcement on the front lines deserve protection. This sends a clear message that we stand up for our four-legged friends and have zero tolerance for immigrants who attack them.”

He referenced an incident from June 2025 at Dulles Airport, where an Egyptian national, Hamed Ali Maree, kicked a police K-9 during a search for smuggled products. Maree was arrested by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), pleaded guilty to assault, and returned to Egypt. Had the BOWOW Act been effective then, Maree would have faced deportation and exclusion from future entry.

Rep. Tom McClintock, a Republican from California, expressed his support, implying it’s hard to deny that someone who harms a police dog shouldn’t ever be allowed back in the country.

Most Democrats were against the bill, arguing that current laws already enable the deportation of criminals.

Concerns were also raised regarding potential violations of due process for legal immigrants, as the bill could allow expulsion without a formal conviction. “This is what America is talking about: Donald Trump’s unauthorized, undeclared war of choice,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin from Maryland. He criticized the focus on the BOWOW Act as a distraction.

Given the expected opposition in the Senate, the bill is likely to face significant hurdles there.

Alongside the BOWOW Act, House Republicans recently passed another bill aimed at noncitizens engaged in fraud against the government. This legislation, which received support from all Republicans and 20 Democrats, would also open the door for deportation and barring entry for those convicted or admitting to fraud.

Rep. Marie Grusenkamp Perez, a vulnerable Democrat facing re-election, notably opposed this bill as well.