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House Judiciary witnesses debate H.R. 3486's harsher penalties for illegal reentry and possible mandatory minimums
Summary
House members debated H.R. 3486 on July 14, a bill that would increase federal penalties for illegal entry and reentry; sponsors said tougher penalties will deter repeat criminal entrants, while opponents warned of mandatory minimums, potential life sentences in drafting errors and large incarceration costs.
The House Judiciary Committee’s proposal H.R. 3486, titled in testimony as the Stop Illegal Entry Act, was discussed at the Rules Committee hearing July 14. Supporters framed the bill as a tool to deter repeat criminal illegal entrants; opponents raised constitutional, practical and budgetary concerns.
Representative Knott, introducing the bill in testimony, described his experience as a federal prosecutor and said the measure targets repeat criminal illegal entrants: “If someone is here illegally and they are convicted, not charged, they are convicted of a felony, that alone makes them eligible for a separate federal crime that carries a minimum of 5 years in prison.” He said the bill also raises penalties for illegal reentry by people previously removed after felony convictions and for those who are convicted of a felony, deported and then illegally return.
Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and other Democrats sharply questioned the sentencing structure and possible unintended consequences. Raskin cited existing statutes…
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