Congresswoman Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas have introduced the Stop Illegal Reentry Act, also known as Kate’s Law. The proposed legislation seeks to amend federal law by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for illegal aliens with multiple convictions or those convicted of an aggravated felony.
The bill has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Jim Justice (R-WV).
In a statement, Congresswoman Bice emphasized the need for stricter enforcement against repeat offenders who threaten public safety. "We must take a firm stance against individuals who continue to violate our laws and endanger the safety of the American people," she said. She criticized the previous administration's handling of border enforcement, suggesting it has made communities less safe.
Senator Cruz highlighted his long-standing advocacy for this legislation, noting its namesake, Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal alien with prior felony convictions. "I first introduced the Stop Illegal Reentry Act, also known as Kate’s Law, a decade ago," he stated. He urged swift legislative action in response to what he described as chaos created by the Biden administration.
Senator Grassley added that stronger penalties are necessary to prevent repeated illegal entries into the United States by individuals with criminal histories. "America is a sovereign nation, and our borders shouldn’t be abused," he remarked.
Senator Scott expressed concern over repeated illegal entries without serious consequences under current policies. He pointed to recent policy changes under President Biden as contributing factors to public insecurity and advocated for measures that hold violent offenders accountable.
The companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Cruz. The act aims to increase criminal penalties for certain aliens reentering the U.S. after removal or exclusion.
Kate’s Law is named after Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman killed by an illegal alien with multiple felony convictions who had been deported five times previously. The bill proposes mandatory sentencing for those entering illegally with significant criminal records.
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