House Democrats are facing backlash after 158 members voted against a GOP resolution to deport noncitizens convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence, reigniting debate over immigration and public safety.
On Wednesday, 158 House Democrats voted against a resolution introduced by South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace that would make noncitizens convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible to and deportable from the U.S. The *Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act* garnered strong support from Republicans, with all 215 voting in favor. However, only 51 Democrats joined them, while the majority of the party opposed the measure.
Rep. Mace, who spearheaded the resolution, criticized her Democratic colleagues for opposing the bill. “158 Left-wing members of Congress just voted against deporting rapists, pedophiles, and murderers of women and kids,” Mace told the *Daily Caller*.
The Democratic response to the vote has been largely muted, though some members, like Rep. Jerry Nadler, explained their opposition during earlier discussions. Nadler called the bill “dangerous,” arguing it could deter immigrant communities from reporting domestic violence due to fear of deportation. He also criticized the legislation for creating a new ground of inadmissibility that does not require a conviction or provide certain exceptions.
Washington Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal denounced the resolution as fearmongering and said it weaponized domestic violence to push an anti-immigrant agenda. She argued that instead of addressing immigration issues in a bipartisan way, Republicans were using such legislation to stoke fear.
Some Democrats, like Michigan Rep. Hillary Scholten, voted for the bill but were still critical of its intentions. “I support ANY effort to keep women safe from violence,” Scholten stated, but added that true progress on women's safety requires action on gun control, survivor programs, and a comprehensive border security solution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Mace for her leadership and blamed the Biden-Harris administration for what he called the “ongoing border crisis.” He argued that their policies have made American women less safe by allowing dangerous criminals to remain in the country.
The resolution now moves to the Senate, where it could face further debate or an alternative version. As immigration and public safety remain divisive issues, both sides continue to clash over how best to protect citizens while addressing the country’s immigration system.
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