(Video Above: Congressman Mo Brooks introduces the Arrests Statistics Reporting Act on the House floor)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since the controversial comments on illegal aliens made by Donald Trump during his presidential announcement, both sides of the immigration debate have scrambled to gather statistics to support their side. Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL5) believes that the lack of sufficient reliable data on illegal immigrant crime is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
On Wednesday, Rep. Brooks introduced the Arrests Statistics Reporting Act to close the information gap he believes undermines the government’s ability to make the immigration policy decisions needed to protect American lives from the threat posed by illegal aliens.
The proposed law has two major provisions: it would require arrest reports already sent to the FBI by state and local governments to include the best known immigration status of the arrestee, and mandate that the federal government publish illegal alien crime data in the FBI’s annual crime reports.
In a floor speech presenting the bill, Brooks said “While illegal aliens are roughly 3.5% of America’s population, U.S. Sentencing Commission data reflects that, out of 74,911 federal sentencing cases, illegal aliens committed 17% of drug trafficking, 20% of kidnapping/hostage taking, 12% of money laundering, 12% of murders, and a whopping 74% of drug possession felonies. If this federal data is any indicator, illegal aliens are far more likely to commit violent and dangerous crimes than the average American or lawful immigrant.”
In the same speech he added, “While illegal aliens are roughly 3.5% of America’s population, U.S. Sentencing Commission data reflects that, out of 74,911 federal sentencing cases, illegal aliens committed 17% of drug trafficking, 20% of kidnapping/hostage taking, 12% of money laundering, 12% of murders, and a whopping 74% of drug possession felonies. If this federal data is any indicator, illegal aliens are far more likely to commit violent and dangerous crimes than the average American or lawful immigrant.”
“This data will better inform the public and lawmakers about illegal alien crime and empower us to make the decisions needed to protect American lives. Mr. Speaker, honest immigration debate requires the best crime data. My bill, the Arrest Statistics Reporting Act, will help us obtain it,” he said.
Most of the Alabama Congressional delegation has taken a hard-line stance against illegal immigration. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) has called for the defunding of Sanctuary Cities, and Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) called for the arrest of Sanctuary City officials under Federal law.
Rep. Brooks’ floor speech can be seen in its entirety in the video above.
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