#USA #Indianapolis #National Police Association #Police Act #deportation

Defend Our Defenders: National Police Association Advocates for the POLICE Act

The National Police Association (NPA) has voiced its strong support for the 'Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement' (POLICE) Act, also known as H.R. 31. This legislation, reintroduced by Representative Andrew Garbarino from New York, aims to strengthen the protections for law enforcement officers by designating the assault of a police officer or first responder as a deportable offense for non-citizens.

The POLICE Act addresses a pressing issue that has emerged from the recent turbulence at the United States' southern border. Over the past few years, there has been an alarming increase in illegal activities crossing into the U.S., including gang violence, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and even terrorist plots. Such actions not only endanger innocent civilians but also put law enforcement officers in jeopardy. The act stipulates that any non-citizen convicted of assaulting a police officer, or those who confess to involvement in such acts, will face deportation.

By explicitly framing the assault of law enforcement as a deportable offense, the POLICE Act aims to provide law enforcement and judicial systems with clearer tools to help eliminate threats to public safety. Current immigration laws are insufficient when it comes to defining what constitutes grounds for deportation related to police assaults. This new measure would consolidate the existing gaps in the law and emphasize a firm stance against actions that undermine the authority of law enforcement.

Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director at the NPA, articulated the necessity of such a bill, stating, "Police officers represent the fundamental principles of the U.S. Constitution. They maintain the delicate balance between chaos and order. When someone assaults an officer, it is a direct challenge to our societal values that warrants immediate deportation."

The legislation underscores the need for a robust legal framework that empowers prosecutors and judges to act decisively against those who harm police officers. According to the NPA, leniency in this area sends the wrong signals about the seriousness of violence towards law enforcement.

The reaction to the introduction of the POLICE Act has been overwhelmingly supportive among law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups. They emphasize that the bill not only aids in the enforcement of the law but also reinforces the respect owed to those tasked with maintaining public order. Supporters of the legislation have urged other lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill and are looking forward to its swift passage through Congress.

NPA appreciates Rep. Garbarino's commitment to this pivotal legislation and expresses hope that President Donald J. Trump will sign it into law upon successful approval.

The National Police Association remains dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers through advocacy, education, and resource provision. The organization encourages the public to learn more about their efforts by visiting NationalPolice.org.

For media inquiries, Paula Fitzsimmons can be reached at 302-469-1765 or through email at [email protected]