The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation has issued a statement in support of the POLICE Act.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation applauds the introduction of the Protect Our Law Enforcement With Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act by Senator Ted Budd.
This bill codifies assaults by undocumented aliens against law enforcement officers as a deportable offense. The POLICE Act applies to any undocumented alien who is convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer, and it demonstrates our federal government's commitment to officer safety. By requiring the alien be convicted of the assault, this bill refutes any cop-hating rants that this is a xenophobic alien-hunt. Undocumented aliens come to the U.S. seeking freedom, but that should not include a free swing at police officers.
Since 1993, the F.L.E.O. Foundation's primary mission has been to provide immediate support to the surviving families of federal officers killed in the line of duty. The mission also includes providing prompt support to those severely injured in the line of duty. While it is an honor to serve as the “First Responders for our First Responders,” it is heart-breaking to witness the unconscionable trauma that inflicts the surviving family members of our fallen heroes. During these tragic circumstances, the kindest of words may only bring a modicum of solace, but there is no magical means to rewind time and prevent the tragic loss of a law enforcement officer. We concede that there is no Time Machine and there is no means to eliminate risk. However, we vehemently condemn any elected official who rejects any sensible initiative to support the wellness of those who serve and minimize the risk of their injury or death. Senator Budd has embraced this initiative and put forth an honorable bill to better protect the defenders of our freedoms.
To every member of Congress, please hear our heartfelt voice on behalf of our fallen heroes. There isn't an acceptable Nay vote, and there isn't an acceptable Abstain vote. If you don't support the POLICE Act, then we respectfully ask that you refrain from ever calling 9-1-1 and not further desecrate the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes. This officer safety bill is non-partisan and has nothing to do with your border security or immigration reform debates. It's about preventing harm to those who risk it all to keep us safe while creating consequences for undocumented aliens who casually trample upon the sanctity of their lives.
In April of 2024, Police Magazine published a guest editorial submitted by F.L.E.O. Foundation President Jon Adler that summarized the alarming number of recent assaults committed by aliens against law enforcement officers. These horrific attacks resulted in officers being assaulted, shot or killed. President Adler noted that from October 2023 to April 2024, there were 140,000 "known got-always" that made illegal entry through the Southwest Border. If just 1% of this group were violent criminals, that equates to a possible 1,400 aliens that may jeopardize the safety of Officers and the public.
Without question, the number one priority of our government is to protect the citizenry. We applaud Senator Budd for recognizing that law enforcement officers not only risk their lives to provide these protections, but are also citizens who are equally entitled to these same protections as well. The POLICE Act sends a resounding message to all who enter our country illegally: there is no sanctuary for you when you assault a law enforcement officer. The F.L.E.O. Foundation respectfully asks all members of Congress to demonstrate their commitment to law and order, and to the Officers who sustain it, and endorse the POLICE Act immediately.
