GOP Urges ICE to Prioritize Violent Offenders

Republican members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, led by Rep. Tony Gonzales, have urged ICE to prioritize deporting violent offenders and convicted criminals over undocumented immigrants with clean records, such as essential farm and industry workers. The lawmakers expressed concern that indiscriminate ICE raids targeting noncriminal immigrants could harm vital sectors like agriculture and divert resources from apprehending dangerous criminals, terrorists, and cartel operatives. They emphasized the need to use limited enforcement resources effectively to protect public safety. ICE data now shows that over 600,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal charges are currently awaiting legal proceedings. The Republican push reflects ongoing efforts to balance strict immigration enforcement with the need to support economic interests and maintain community stability.