LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act. The legislation’s lead sponsors are Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (District 33) and Representative Frances Cavenaugh (District 30).
“President Trump made border security one of his top priorities and in just a few months, he has done what President Biden refused to and nearly eliminated illegal border crossings,” said Governor Sanders. “The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act makes it clear: Arkansas will not tolerate violent, criminal illegals and will do our part to help the Trump administration keep our citizens safe.”
“This legislation will help Arkansas reduce violent crime and keep us a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester.
“The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act will help us crack down on the most dangerous offenders and keep Arkansans safe,” said Rep. Fran Cavanaugh.
This legislation will enhance penalties for illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in Arkansas, expand Arkansas’ sanctuary city ban to include unincorporated areas and counties, and mandate Arkansas law enforcement participate in the 287(g) program to expedite deportations and enhance cooperation with federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
In President Trump’s first month back in office, ICE arrested over 20,000 illegals and illegal border crossings hit a record low in the month of February, falling to 8,300, down 94% from the 140,641 encountered a year prior. President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border on his first day back in office.
In January, Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested Luis Danielle Valdez-Reyes, a violent illegal immigrant who was on the run after striking an Arkansas State Trooper. In November, Arkansas State Police arrested Elias Avila Bustillo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador wanted in his home country for illegal gang association. Governor Sanders joined Arkansas State Police in September to mourn the death of Little Rock nurse Jennifer Ann Morton, who was killed in a drunk driving accident by illegal immigrant Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera.
Last year, Governor Sanders sent 40 Arkansas National Guardsmen to the southern border to assist Texas law enforcement. In the summer of 2023, Governor Sanders sent 80 Arkansas National Guardsmen to the border and along with state legislators went to the border to visit those guardsmen. In response to President Biden’s failure to secure the southern border, Governor Sanders visited the border a second time last February with other Republican Governors to highlight their efforts to help secure the border.
