House Passes Bill Allowing Deportation Of Migrants Who Evade Border Patrol In High-Speed Chases

The House of Representatives passed on Thursday the Agent Raul Gonzalez Safety Act, which determines that migrants who evade Border Patrol in high-speed chases become ineligible for asylum and enables their deportation from the country. The bill also imposes a life sentence if someone is killed during the chase or apprehension.

The bill passed with bipartisan support, with 50 Democrats joining all Republicans present in support. 155 Democrats voted against it.

"This bill sends a message to illegal aliens, drug traffickers, and smugglers. If you threaten American lives, you will face the full consequence of the law," said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain ahead of the vote.

The initiative, named in honor of a Texas Border Patrol agent killed in a high-speed chase, applies within 100 miles of the U.S. border and also makes offenders ineligible for immigration relief.