House Republicans Push Immigration Enforcement Bill as Economic Polls Show GOP Gaining Ground

In a significant move on immigration policy, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill this week aimed at toughening consequences for illegal immigrants who assault police officers. The legislation—titled the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act—cleared the House with a 265-148 vote. Notably, 54 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican from New Jersey and the bill’s lead sponsor, argued that the legislation is necessary to reinforce the rule of law and send a clear message regarding respect for law enforcement.

“There is no reason that an illegal alien who attacks our law enforcement should remain in our country,” Van Drew said following the vote. “Such actions show zero respect for our laws, institutions, and values. These individuals should not be allowed to stay.”

The bill mandates that illegal immigrants who commit assaults against law enforcement officers be detained by federal authorities and deported without exception. It also introduces a new legal category of inadmissibility, barring individuals with such charges from entering or remaining in the U.S.

House Republican leadership quickly praised the outcome. Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) criticized Democratic opposition, stating, “Today, House Democrats made their position clear: they chose to stand with violent, illegal offenders over the brave men and women who protect our communities. The Democrat Party continues to prove itself as the most anti-law enforcement political organization in modern history.”

While the bill is unlikely to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate in its current form, it highlights the ongoing battle between the two parties over immigration enforcement and law-and-order messaging, especially as the 2026 midterm election season begins to take shape.

Public Opinion Tilting Toward the GOP on the Economy

At the same time, recent polling shows a notable advantage for Republicans on economic issues—a trend that is raising eyebrows among political analysts and media pundits.

A new CNN poll revealed that voters now favor the Republican Party over Democrats by 8 percentage points when asked which party better represents their economic views. According to CNN’s own data analyst Harry Enten, the result is surprising given the months of negative media coverage surrounding Donald Trump’s tariff policies and warnings about a potential economic downturn.

“You’d expect Democrats to have taken the lead after all the economic fear-mongering, but that simply hasn’t happened,” Enten told anchor Kate Bolduan. “Despite concerns about recession, stock market instability, and opposition to tariffs, voters still trust the GOP more when it comes to handling the economy.”

Enten pointed to other data reinforcing this narrative. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll found that in May 2025, Republicans led Democrats by 12 points on the question of which party had the better economic plan. That’s up from a 9-point advantage in May 2024, just before Trump won re-election.

“This isn’t just a one-off data point,” Enten said. “We’re seeing this across multiple reputable polls. Republicans are not only holding their ground—they’re expanding their lead on economic trust. That’s critical.”

He added that the shift appears to be bolstered by strong Republican support among middle-class voters—once considered a Democratic stronghold. Enten noted that this group now appears to be shifting its allegiance, particularly as inflation, housing costs, and concerns about debt continue to impact household budgets.

“This data tells a clear story,” Enten concluded. “The economy remains the top issue for most Americans, and right now, Republicans have a major advantage.”

A Two-Front Political Offensive

The combination of the new deportation bill and the growing public trust in GOP economic policies points to a broader Republican strategy heading into the next electoral cycle. With crime and border security still resonating among voters, and economic concerns dominating household conversations, the GOP is doubling down on core issues that energize its base and attract undecided voters.

Democrats, meanwhile, are facing increased pressure to unify around a clear economic message and policy approach, especially as internal divisions grow louder and the public becomes more anxious about everyday financial pressures.

The immigration legislation passed by the House may not become law, but it has already become a potent talking point for Republican candidates. Coupled with economic polling momentum, the party appears to be preparing for a hard-hitting campaign season.

As the political landscape shifts, both parties are reassessing their positions—but for now, Republicans seem to be capturing the narrative on two of the most critical issues facing voters: safety and economic stability.