In a significant legislative move, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing the immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI). Titled the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, the bill honors three American citizens killed by undocumented immigrants in DUI incidents.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Barry Moore, a Republican from Alabama, and passed the House with a 246 to 160 vote. Notably, no Republican voted against it, while 160 Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns about fearmongering and a lack of evidence linking immigration status directly to DUI rates. However, several moderate Democrats broke ranks and supported the legislation, including Reps. Jim Himes, Tom Suozzi, Jared Golden, Laura Gillen, Don Davis, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
“Today’s vote sends a clear message: if you are a guest in this country and break our laws by putting lives at risk through impaired driving, there will be consequences,” Moore stated after the bill’s passage.
The legislation still needs approval from the Senate before it can be signed into law by President Donald Trump, whose administration has consistently focused on stricter immigration control.
The bill has sparked intense debate on Capitol Hill. Opponents, including Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania, argue the bill is more political than practical. “There is no causal connection between immigration status and drunk driving shown in committee hearings or reports,” she said. Scanlon also emphasized that the bill does nothing to address broader flaws in the US immigration system.
Under the proposed law, any non-citizen convicted of DUI would face mandatory deportation. Supporters argue this measure is crucial for public safety, citing tragic incidents like the deaths of the Seays and Officer Mendoza as justification. Detractors believe the bill could unfairly target vulnerable immigrant communities and worsen systemic issues without offering comprehensive immigration solutions.
As the debate moves to the Senate, the bill has already ignited discussions on the balance between national security, justice, and the need for deeper immigration reform. Whether it becomes law or not, this development highlights the growing political divide over how to handle non-citizens who commit serious offenses on American soil.
