Rep. Messer Votes to Crack Down on Illegal Immigrant Gangs

U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in support of the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which combats gang violence by criminal aliens and enhances public safety.

Messer spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.

“Today, the House passed immigration reform that ensures violent gangs are kept off our streets,” Messer said. “For too long, dangerous criminals have exploited our nation’s failed immigration laws and made our communities less safe. Hoosiers are tired of it. It’s well past time to crack down on this illegal activity, restore rule of law and protect the American people.”

The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act would allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport criminal alien gang members who pose a serious threat to the safety. The bill also prevents these criminals from receiving asylum and bars them from re-entering the United States.

The bill must now be considered by the U.S. Senate and the President to become law.

A video of Messer’s remarks is available here and full text of his remarks is below:

“Mr. Speaker, the federal government’s first duty is to protect its citizens.

For too long, dangerous gangs like MS-13 have exploited our nation’s failed immigration laws and made our communities less safe. Hoosiers are tired of it. It’s well past time to crack down on this illegal activity and restore the rule of law in America. Today, the House passed commonsense immigration reform that ensures violent gangs are kept off our streets.

The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act allows law enforcement to detain and deport criminal alien gang members who pose a serious threat to our safety.

Instead of waiting on another tragedy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be allowed to remove these criminals before they have the chance to harm innocent Americans.

The bill also prevents these criminals from ever entering the United States again. This is good, commonsense legislation that improves our national security supports our law enforcement and protects the American people.

I am proud to support the bill and I yield back.”