Houston Daily

Congressman Morgan Luttrell of Texas has introduced the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act, a bill that would allow federal prosecution of illegal aliens who commit murder in the United States. Under this proposed legislation, offenders could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted of first-degree murder.

Currently, federal jurisdiction over murder cases is limited and often depends on specific circumstances such as location or involvement of federal entities. The new act aims to create a federal offense specifically targeting non-citizens who are inadmissible or deportable and commit murder, thus empowering federal prosecutors to charge these individuals regardless of where the crime occurred.

"In America, we are a nation of laws, and that means justice has to be non-negotiable," said Congressman Luttrell. He emphasized that this bill would enable authorities to deliver justice even when local resources are insufficient for handling high-profile death penalty cases. Congressman August Pfluger expressed support for the legislation, stating it ensures federal authority to prosecute illegal aliens committing murder within U.S. borders.

Rep. Mike Collins also voiced his backing: "If you’re in our country illegally and you kill a U.S. citizen, expect us to come after you with the full extent of the law." He supported Luttrell's initiative as a means to hold criminals accountable.

Congressman Jack Bergman highlighted the need for swift justice when an American life is taken by someone unlawfully present in the country: "This bill sends a clear message: if you murder an American citizen while unlawfully in this country, the federal government will pursue the harshest penalties available."

Criticism was directed at current border policies by Congressman Marlin Stutzman: "When Biden opened our borders, he opened our country to a world of crime previously thought unimaginable on American soil." Stutzman stressed that this legislation is necessary due to what he perceives as lax border control measures.

The proposed act intends to close jurisdictional loopholes and ensure those unlawfully present in the U.S., who commit serious crimes like murder, do not evade legal consequences. The bill has garnered support from several other representatives including Troy Nehls, Brian Babin, Mike Ezell, and Marlin Stutzman.

President Donald Trump had previously signed an Executive Order calling for mandatory death penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of murdering American citizens or law enforcement officers.