House Passes DUI Deportation Bill with Bipartisan Support

A new bill aimed at deporting illegal immigrants who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) received backing from 37 House Democrats on Thursday.

Introduced by Conservative representatives from Alabama, the bill passed with a vote tally of 246 in favor and 160 against. Interestingly, no Republican opposed the bill, while the majority of opposing votes came from Democratic members.

Among the Democrats who supported the initiative were Representatives Jim Himes from Connecticut, and Tom Suozzi, Jared Golden, Laura Gillen, and Don Davis from New York and North Carolina, respectively.

“Today’s vote in the House is a clear statement,” said Representative Barry Moore, the bill’s sponsor. “If you are a guest in this country and choose to endanger lives by breaking our laws, especially by driving under the influence, there will be consequences.”

The legislation is named after Jeremy and Angel Shee, a couple from Moore’s community who tragically lost their lives due to an accident involving a drunk driver who was an illegal immigrant. Additionally, it honors an Arizona police officer named Brandon Mendoza, who was also killed by an illegal immigrant while driving under the influence.

Opponents of the bill, however, argued that it is fear-mongering. They claimed that a recent judicial hearing did not present any credible evidence linking immigration status to drunk driving incidents. Furthermore, critics emphasized that the law does not address broader issues within the immigration system.

Despite the pushback, Moore expressed surprise at the number of Democrats who voted against the bill, stating that it highlights a reluctance to hold illegal immigrants accountable, even in cases that result in harm to American citizens.

The legislation will now move on to the Senate for further consideration, and if approved, it will await the signature of President Donald Trump to become law.