A resolution unequivocally condemning nationwide violent attacks on Federal agents enforcing America's immigration laws.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 604
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-09T14:23:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This House Resolution (H. Res. 604) aims to express the House of Representatives' strong disapproval of violent incidents targeting federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who are carrying out immigration enforcement duties. It highlights specific attacks amid the Trump Administration's immigration policies and urges support for law enforcement.
Key Provisions Outlined
The resolution is structured with several "Whereas" clauses providing background and context, followed by a "Resolved" section that outlines the House's official stance:
- Background Context ("Whereas" Clauses):
- Describes the shift from the prior Biden Administration's immigration policies (alleged "open borders" allowing millions of undocumented migrants to enter and avoid deportation) to the Trump Administration's enforcement, which has reportedly reduced illegal border crossings, increased deportations, and led to arrests of violent criminals.
- Details multiple violent incidents against ICE and CBP agents from May to July 2025, including assaults in San Jose, CA; riots in Los Angeles, CA; attacks in Santa Ana, CA; disturbances in Portland, OR; charges against rioters in Los Angeles; an attack on a detention center in Alvarado, TX; and a shooting at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, TX, resulting in injuries and arrests on charges like terrorism and assault.
- Criticizes proposed legislation (No Masks for ICE Act) that would prevent agents from wearing face coverings for identity protection during operations.
- Notes agents' fears of retaliation against themselves and their families if identities are revealed.
- Quotes Democratic officials' harsh descriptions of ICE and CBP (e.g., comparing them to a "gestapo" or "terrorist force").
- Official House Actions ("Resolved" Section):
- Recognizes ICE and CBP personnel as "heroic" for their daily efforts to enforce immigration laws, detain and deport undocumented individuals with criminal records, and protect U.S. citizens.
- Unequivocally condemns all violence by undocumented individuals ("criminal illegals") and others against federal, state, and local law enforcement in the cited incidents.
- Urges local, state, and federal elected officials to support federal law enforcement in enforcing laws against illegal immigration and violent crime.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a formal statement of opinion from the House and introduces no legal changes to existing immigration enforcement statutes or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces political backing for ICE and CBP, potentially boosting morale among agents facing threats, but has no direct funding or operational effects.
- On Citizens: May heighten public awareness of risks to law enforcement during immigration operations, influencing debates on border security and protests; it could polarize views on undocumented immigrants and enforcement actions.
- On International Relations: Limited direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to strict immigration enforcement, which might affect perceptions in countries of origin for migrants (e.g., Nicaragua, as mentioned in one incident).
- Overall, as a symbolic measure, its influence is primarily rhetorical, shaping congressional discourse rather than policy implementation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Law Enforcement (ICE and CBP Agents): Directly praised and defended; the resolution addresses their safety concerns and calls for broader support.
- Undocumented Immigrants and Activists: Portrayed critically as perpetrators of violence in some contexts; could intensify scrutiny or backlash against protest activities.
- Elected Officials (Especially Democrats): Urged to support enforcement; implicitly criticizes some for opposing ICE/CBP or proposing restrictive measures like the No Masks for ICE Act.
- Local and State Law Enforcement: Included in condemnations of violence against them and calls for collaborative support.
- U.S. Citizens: Beneficiaries of recognized protections from immigration-related crime, per the resolution's framing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable outcomes, but it aligns with existing federal authority under immigration laws (e.g., those enabling deportations). References to arrests and charges (e.g., terrorism, assault) highlight ongoing criminal prosecutions without altering them.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's First Article powers to express views on executive enforcement of laws; as a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority and does not need Senate or presidential approval, avoiding veto risks.
- Political: Highly partisan tone, contrasting Trump-era policies favorably against the prior administration and critiquing Democrats, which could fuel immigration debates in the 119th Congress. It was introduced by Republicans (Mr. Issa and Mr. Calvert) and referred to committees (Judiciary, Homeland Security, Ways and Means) for review, potentially signaling broader GOP priorities on border security amid reported 2025 incidents.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- A resolution unequivocally condemning nationwide violent attacks on Federal agents enforcing America’s immigration laws. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (4 pages)