Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 28: In a contentious vote, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would make the deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) an automatic process. Backed by Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.), the legislation passed 246 to 160, with unanimous Republican support and strong Democratic opposition.

The bill, titled the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, now awaits Senate consideration and would require President Donald Trump’s signature to become law.

“This bill sends a clear and simple message—if you come to our country and violate our laws, especially in ways that endanger American lives, there will be consequences,” said Rep. Moore following the vote.

The bill is named in memory of Jeremy and Angel Seay, a couple from Alabama, and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza, a police officer—all three of whom were killed in separate DUI-related incidents involving undocumented immigrants. The legislation aims to ensure that any non-citizen convicted of DUI faces mandatory removal from the United States.

While Moore and Republican lawmakers framed the bill as a necessary measure to protect public safety, many Democrats criticized it as a political stunt.

Among the Democrats who voted in favor were Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), Don Davis (D-N.C.), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.)—a group largely consisting of moderates and members from swing districts.

However, the majority of Democrats voted against the measure, arguing it lacked substantive policy value and relied on emotional appeals rather than data.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), during debate in the House Rules Committee, said:

“I participated in the judiciary hearings and reviewed the majority report. There is no evidence establishing a link between immigration status and drunk driving. This legislation doesn’t fix the immigration system—it just politicizes tragedy.”

Critics of the bill say it reinforces stereotypes and distracts from the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that it closes a dangerous loophole and prioritizes the safety of American communities.

If enacted, the law would make any DUI conviction grounds for immediate deportation, regardless of whether the offense resulted in injury or death, potentially affecting thousands of undocumented individuals nationwide.