Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is set to introduce the Allocating Liability to Illegal Entrants in National Courts (ALIEN) Act, a bill that seeks to empower federal judges to award damages to victims harmed by illegal immigrants. Gaetz argues that the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies have led to a migrant crime epidemic and that Americans deserve compensation for any harm they have suffered. The proposed bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to allow for these restitution awards. Gaetz’s move is part of a broader push by Republicans for stronger border security, with former President Trump advocating for mass deportations to address the crisis.
The issue of illegal immigrants committing crimes against Americans has been a major talking point for Republicans, who blame the Biden-Harris administration for what they see as weak border policies. Examples of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, such as a Venezuelan migrant with suspected gang ties accused of 22 crimes in New York City and the alleged murder of a 12-year-old girl in Houston, have fueled this narrative. The high-profile killing of a Georgia college student further underscores the sense of urgency felt by lawmakers. The National Border Patrol Council has criticized the administration for prioritizing their base of support over the safety and security of the American people, predicting that the situation will worsen under their leadership.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows an increase in criminal illegal migrants attempting to cross the southern border and being apprehended since 2021. Approximately 13,000 criminal migrants were intercepted in Fiscal Year 2024, many with convictions for violent offenses such as assault, battery, domestic violence, manslaughter, and sexual offenses. This surge in apprehensions contrasts with a period of declining numbers before Fiscal Year 2021. Gaetz’s bill is seen as a response to the growing concern over the dangers posed by criminal illegal immigrants, with Republicans calling for tougher measures to protect American citizens.
The ALIEN Act is part of a broader effort by Republicans to address what they see as a crisis at the southern border. Former President Trump’s emphasis on border security and the promise of mass deportations if elected in 2024 reflect the party’s stance on immigration. Calls for stronger enforcement measures, such as Gaetz’s proposal to allow judges to award restitution to victims of crimes by illegal immigrants, are gaining traction within the GOP. The Trump administration’s emphasis on cracking down on illegal immigration and prioritizing public safety continues to shape the party’s policy agenda and messaging.
The legal landscape surrounding immigration-related offenses could be reshaped if Gaetz’s bill is passed, potentially setting new precedents for how victims of crimes by illegal immigrants are compensated. The proposed legislation aligns with the Republican Party’s focus on national security and protecting American citizens from the perceived threats posed by illegal immigration. As the debate over immigration policy intensifies, Gaetz’s bill represents a significant effort to address the challenges posed by criminal activity among illegal immigrants and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration issues continues to be a point of contention, with Republicans pushing for stricter measures to secure the nation’s borders and protect the safety of its citizens.
