HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation, Senate Bill 1127, that would require prosecutors across the state to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law, according to bill sponsors Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35).
Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call for ICE to be informed when illegal migrants have been charged with violations of state law.
“We have seen far too many murders and violent crimes committed by illegal migrants with multiple prior arrests by various law enforcement agencies across the country,” said Laughlin. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows hundreds of homicides and thousands of other serious crimes committed by illegal migrants – some of whom were already facing criminal charges or had previous convictions – during just the past three years. This is unconscionable and must be remedied.”
Currently in Pennsylvania, violations of state law by illegal migrants are not required to be reported to ICE, but Senate Bill 1127 would change that to ensure illegal migrants who violate our laws are held accountable.
“This legislation is common sense. If you’re in our country illegally, and you violate the laws, you will be held accountable,” said Langerholc.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACTS: David Kozak (Sen. Laughlin) 717-787-8927
Gwenn Dando (Sen. Langerholc) 717-787-5400