Little Rock, Arkansas – In a move aimed at bolstering security and combating crime, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, a legislative initiative designed to tighten immigration enforcement and enhance penalties for undocumented individuals who commit crimes within Arkansas. The proposed legislation is being led by Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (District 33) and Representative Frances Cavenaugh (District 30).
Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of the bill in supporting national efforts to secure the southern border, citing former President Donald Trump’s recent crackdown on illegal immigration. “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.”
Key Provisions of the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act
The legislation introduces several measures aimed at reducing crime and improving law enforcement’s ability to handle undocumented individuals involved in illegal activities. The bill includes:
• Enhanced Penalties: Tougher sentencing guidelines for illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in Arkansas.
• Expansion of Sanctuary City Ban: Prohibiting sanctuary policies not only in cities but also in unincorporated areas and counties.
• Mandatory Participation in 287(g) Program: Requiring Arkansas law enforcement to work closely with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to expedite deportations and strengthen cooperation on immigration enforcement.
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester expressed confidence in the bill’s ability to make Arkansas a safer place. “This legislation will help Arkansas reduce violent crime and keep us a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” he stated.
Representative Frances Cavenaugh also voiced strong support, highlighting the bill’s potential impact on criminal activity. “The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act will help us crack down on the most dangerous offenders and keep Arkansans safe,” she said.
Recent Efforts to Address Illegal Immigration in Arkansas
The push for tougher immigration laws follows several high-profile cases in which undocumented individuals were arrested for violent crimes in Arkansas. In January, Arkansas State Police arrested Luis Danielle Valdez-Reyes, an undocumented immigrant accused of striking a state trooper while on the run. Similarly, in November, authorities apprehended Elias Avila Bustillo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who was wanted in his home country for gang-related crimes.
Additionally, Governor Sanders previously joined law enforcement officials in mourning the tragic death of Little Rock nurse Jennifer Ann Morton, who was killed in a drunk driving accident caused by an undocumented individual, Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera.
Arkansas’ Commitment to Border Security
Governor Sanders has consistently supported national efforts to strengthen border security. Last year, she deployed 40 Arkansas National Guardsmen to assist Texas law enforcement at the southern border. The summer of 2023 saw an even larger deployment, with 80 guardsmen sent to aid border security operations. Governor Sanders also made two visits to the border, the second of which took place in February 2024 alongside other Republican governors, highlighting their joint efforts to secure the border in the face of what they described as federal inaction.
These efforts align with broader national trends. In the first month of former President Trump’s return to office, ICE reported over 20,000 arrests of undocumented individuals, with illegal border crossings dropping to a record low of 8,300 in February—a 94% decrease from the previous year’s figures.
Looking Ahead
The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act is expected to be a focal point in the Arkansas legislature in the coming weeks, with strong backing from Republican lawmakers. If passed, the bill will reinforce Arkansas’ commitment to strict immigration enforcement and public safety.
As the debate over immigration policy continues nationwide, Governor Sanders remains steadfast in her position that state-level action is necessary to fill what she describes as gaps in federal enforcement. With the proposed legislation, Arkansas seeks to lead by example in addressing concerns over crime and illegal immigration within its borders.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the legislative process closely as the bill progresses, with potential implications for both local law enforcement and the broader immigration policy landscape.
