HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation today to protect Pennsylvanians from illegal migrants who commit crimes in our state. The bill, introduced by Sens. Dan Laughlin (R-49), Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Jarrett Coleman (R-16), passed the Senate with a strong bipartisan vote of 31 to 18.
Senate Bill 471 requires prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States, ensuring that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. The bill also prohibits sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
“This is a strong bill that will safeguard our communities and ensure that dangerous criminals are not allowed to remain in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Laughlin. “We have a duty to protect our residents, and this bill gives law enforcement the tools they need to do exactly that.”
Sen. Langerholc praised its passage, stating, “This legislation is common sense. If you’re in our country illegally, and you violate the laws, you will be held accountable.”
Sen. Coleman added, “I don’t want to have to learn about another Laken Riley. Or Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old from Texas who was raped and strangled to death by alleged assailants here illegally from Venezuela. Or the two New York City police officers brutally attacked by an illegal alien in 2023, months after the man got out of jail on theft charges. There are too many tragedies, too many American families hurt, that could have been avoided if ICE and our state and local authorities were aligned on upholding our immigration laws.”
The bill now awaits consideration in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
CONTACT:
Chris Carroll; 814-453-2515