By Lindsay Press
All four Long Island members of the House of Representatives came together to vote for a bill that later passed, which would establish harsher penalties for illegal immigrants who flee from border patrol agents.
U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point), Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue), Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), and Laura Gillen (D-Garden City) voted to pass the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which was introduced by Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona).
The Act passed by a 264-155 vote. Fifty Democrats joined all Republicans in voting for the bill. A total of four Republicans and 10 Democrats did not vote.
“My support for the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which heightens penalties for those evading our border patrol, solidifies my dedication to strengthening border security, safeguarding our frontline defenders, and ensuring the safety of our communities,” LaLota said in a statement. “Together, we are making America more secure!”
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act would result in two years imprisonment and/or fine; 5 to 20 years in prison and/or fine if the offense resulted in a serious injury; and 10 years to life in prison and/or a fine if the offense resulted in death.
The bill was named in memory of Raul Gonzalez, a border agent, who died on December 7, 2022, from injuries he sustained while pursuing illegal residents who were running from agents near the Southwest Border. At the time, Gonzalez was located near McAllen, Texas.
LaLota has voted in favor of strengthening the southern borders previously, having supported three other bills on the subject. The Bipartisan Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act was introduced in February 2024 but has yet to move forward. The Border Reinforcement Act of 2023 has also yet to move beyond its introduction.
However, the Secure the Border Act of 2023 was passed in the House in 2023 despite the fact that none of the Democrats voted in favor of the legislation, and only two Republicans voted against it. This bill focuses on rebuilding the border security and immigration system by upgrading the asylum process and offering law enforcement the necessary aid to maintain border security. The bill was referred to the Social Security Committee this past December.