House Passes GOP-Backed Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Assault Police, Sparks Sharp Partisan Divide

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed a controversial immigration bill that would require federal authorities to detain and deport undocumented immigrants who assault law enforcement officers. The measure, titled the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, passed in a 265–148 vote, with a notable 54 Democrats breaking party lines to support the legislation.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who argued that anyone living in the country illegally who commits violence against police officers has no place in American society.

“There is no reason that an illegal alien who attacks our law enforcement should remain in our country,” Van Drew said following the vote. “That shows zero respect for our rule of law or our institutions, and they will not be positive contributors to society.”

What the Legislation Does

The bill mandates that undocumented immigrants who are charged with or convicted of assaulting a police officer be held in federal custody until they are deported. It also creates a new category of inadmissibility, effectively barring any undocumented individual accused of such an offense from obtaining legal status or re-entry into the United States in the future.

While the bill has little chance of advancing in the Democrat-controlled Senate, it highlights growing Republican efforts to link immigration reform with public safety amid a broader debate about crime and border security.

GOP Praises Law Enforcement Support, Slams Democrats

After the bill’s passage, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) criticized Democrats who voted against it, claiming they prioritize the rights of undocumented immigrants over those of police officers.

“House Democrats just voted to protect violent, illegal immigrants over our brave law enforcement officers,” Emmer said. “Once again, the Democrat Party proves they are the most anti-law enforcement party in history.”

Republicans have consistently made support for police and border enforcement central themes in their legislative agenda, especially in the wake of rising concerns over illegal immigration and high-profile crimes involving undocumented individuals.

Democrats Push Back, Raise Concerns About Due Process

Many Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns that it could violate due process and lead to the deportation of individuals based solely on accusations rather than convictions. Some lawmakers also warned that the legislation could further strain the relationship between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

“This bill undermines fundamental legal protections,” said one Democratic lawmaker during floor debate. “It conflates immigration enforcement with criminal justice in a way that risks punishing people before they’ve even had their day in court.”

Economic Polls Show GOP Advantage Grows

The vote on the immigration bill comes as new polling data indicates the Republican Party has taken a commanding lead on economic issues, traditionally a battleground topic between both parties.

In a recent CNN poll, voters said they trusted Republicans more than Democrats on managing the economy—by a margin of eight points. Political analyst Harry Enten, often seen as a data expert for CNN, expressed surprise at the numbers, especially given the months-long Democratic messaging campaign warning against Trump’s tariff proposals.

“You’d think, after all the fear-mongering about recession risks and tariffs, Democrats would gain the edge on economic credibility. But it’s not happening,” Enten said during a segment with CNN anchor Kate Bolduan.

Enten noted that in November 2023, Republicans already held an 11-point lead on economic trust. As of May 2025, that gap has narrowed slightly but remains in favor of the GOP, which still holds an 8-point advantage, according to CNN’s data.

He also referenced data from a Reuters/IPSOS poll, showing that Republicans now lead Democrats by 12 points on the question of which party has the better economic plan.

“This isn’t just a CNN phenomenon. Other national polls show the same trend,” Enten said. “Despite economic volatility, despite criticism over tariffs, Republicans are gaining ground—especially with middle-class voters.”

Middle-Class Support and Economic Confidence

Analysts say the numbers reveal a deeper shift in public sentiment. Middle-class voters, once seen as a swing bloc, are increasingly siding with Republicans, driven by concerns over inflation, interest rates, and government spending.

“The GOP’s messaging on economic responsibility and border security is resonating,” Enten noted. “Even if Trump’s approval numbers fluctuate, the party’s advantage on key issues like the economy could carry them through upcoming elections.”

The Road Ahead

As the Senate prepares to weigh in on the immigration bill, its future remains uncertain. However, the measure has already ignited fierce debate over immigration policy and public safety, while also sharpening the partisan divide heading into the 2026 midterms.

Meanwhile, polling data continues to reflect an electorate increasingly concerned about economic issues and public safety—two areas where Republicans believe they have the upper hand.

With voter trust in Democrats slipping on these key issues, the GOP appears poised to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction, both in Congress and at the ballot box.