The United States House of Representatives has passed the Stop Illegal Entry Act, a bill sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Brad Knott (NC-13). The legislation aims to increase penalties for individuals who illegally re-enter the country after deportation or commit felonies while in the United States without legal status.
Representative Bice stated, “The Biden Administration let over 10 million illegal immigrants into the country and failed to prosecute those who defied U.S. immigration law. These individuals included people from countries designated as state sponsors of terror, with 400 illegal aliens on the Terrorist Watch List being encountered at the border. We must deter future illegal immigration and give our law enforcement and border patrol officers the tools they need to hold dangerous criminals accountable. This is why I was proud to see my colleagues vote to pass the Stop Illegal Entry Act. This legislation increases penalties for illegal aliens who re-enter the United States, as well as those in the United States who have committed felonies. President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border, but we have more work to do to safeguard and protect our communities. This is another step in the right direction.”
Rep. Knott added, “As a federal prosecutor, I encountered illegal alien criminals who repeatedly reentered the United States after deportation to continue committing crimes against Americans. This pervasive trend will continue, causing endless harm, unless we implement serious deterrents targeting this class of dangerous criminals. The Stop Illegal Entry Act closes that loophole by enabling efficient convictions with strong penalties whenever an illegal immigrant commits a felony or attempts to come back into the country after deportation. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and urge the Senate to get this bill on President Trump’s desk quickly.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. According to a statement from The Office of Management and Budget on September 8, President Trump intends to sign it if it reaches his desk.
Brad Knott was elected in 2024 after defeating Frank Pierce in the general election with 58.6% of the vote.
