158 Dems vote against bill to deport illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes—it passes House anyway

On Wednesday, 158 House Democrats voted against legislation that would deport illegal immigrants convicted of sexual offenses. This comes amid the ongoing border crisis under the Biden-Harris administration. 

Though the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (HR 7909) passed the US House of Representatives along bipartisan lines, all present Republicans voted for the bill and were joined by 51 Democrats. However, 158 Democrats voted against the bill. The measure still passed 266 to 158.

The legislation would also make illegal immigrants inadmissible to the US if they admit to domestic violence or sex-related charges or are convicted of them.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who led the effort on the bill, told Fox News before the vote, "If you vote against it, you're sexist against women. I mean, truly, because we're talking about illegals who are here who are committing domestic violence, rape and murder on women and children — they’ve gotta go. They shouldn't be allowed into our country."

House Speaker Mike Johnson said of the bill, “The Biden-Harris border crisis has made daily life less safe for American women. They engineered this crisis, ignored efforts to solve it, and have refused to deport those who commit heinous crimes against American citizens. As crime by illegal aliens continues to rise, I commend Rep. Mace’s proactive leadership in ensuring the rule of law is followed. H.R. 7909 will keep America safe since the Biden-Harris Administration will not.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, (D-WA) said during debate on the bill, "Here we are again, debating another partisan bill that fearmongers about immigrants, instead of working together to fix the immigration system. I probably shouldn't be too surprised. Scapegoating immigrants and attempting to weaponize the crime of domestic violence is appearing to be a time-honored tradition for Republicans."

Despite the rhetoric from the progressive wing of the Democratic party, Republicans have been able to gain some Democratic support to push back against the Biden-Harris border crisis, especially from those seeking re-election in vulnerable seats such as Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-WA) or in purple districts.

A press release from Mace's office stated, "House Republicans previously passed a bill to detain and deport migrants convicted of assaulting law enforcement with the help of 54 Democrats – while 148 lawmakers voted against the measure." The Laken Riley Act also received support of 37 Democrats.