Shock Vote: 158 Democrats Block Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes

More than 150 House Democrats have voted against the bill which would deport immigrants who are convicted of sexual crimes or conspiring to commit such crimes.

The Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with bipartisan support. The bill was supported by all Republicans present, and 51 Democratic legislators. The measure was passed by 266 votes to 158.

Among those who voted in favor of the bill were Reps. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.); Jaskowitz Moskowitz (D-Fla.); and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).

Two Democrats who voted in favor of it are running for higher offices — Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D.Mich., for Senate and Rep. Abigail Spanberger D.Va. for Governor.

The legislation will not only migrants who are convicted of sex crimes but also those who have admitted to domestic violence, or sex-related charges or were convicted.

The House GOP is pushing for a broader legislative agenda to highlight issues arising from the border crisis that has affected cities and states across the nation.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said that she expected Democrats to vote against her bill “100%”.

“If you vote against it, you’re sexist against women,” Mace declared.

“I mean it because I’m talking about illegals here who are committing domestic abuse, rape, and murder against women and children. They’ve got to go.” “They shouldn’t be allowed to enter our country.”

Democrats have condemned the bill, however.

During the debate, Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, stated, “Here again we are debating partisan legislation that fears immigrants instead of working together to fix the immigration process.”

“I shouldn’t have been surprised. Republicans seem to have a long-standing tradition of scapegoating immigrants and weaponizing domestic violence.”

Democrats have shown a modest amount of support for the GOP’s efforts to bring attention to the border crisis despite the larger pushback.

The House Republicans passed a measure to detain migrants who assaulted law enforcement officials with 54 Democrats’ support — 148 legislators voted against it.

Meanwhile, the GOP-backed Laken Riley Act, named after an Augusta University nursing student who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant, netted support from 37 House Democrats.