Sen. Ashley Moody Proposes State Assistance in Immigration Enforcement Amid LA Riots
Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla) has introduced the ‘RIPPLE Act’, a measure aimed at allowing states to assist in immigration enforcement by enabling non-federal law enforcement officers to act as a ‘force multiplier’ for federal immigration agents. The bill is an expansion of the existing 287(g) program, which permits state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in immigration enforcement under federal supervision. Moody argued that the recent violence in Los Angeles, where federal immigration officers faced attacks, underscores the need for increased state support. She emphasized that the legislation would expedite the removal of criminal illegal immigrants and address the ‘lawlessness’ she claims is spreading through California.
Moody’s office stated that the bill would also enable non-federal law enforcement agencies to commit already sworn officers to immigration enforcement, allowing them to act as a ‘force multiplier’ for federal immigration efforts in the short term while new federal officers are being hired, trained, and onboarded. The aide noted that this process is ‘more time-intense.’ Moody told Fox News Digital that the expansion of the 287(g) program would provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently remove dangerous criminals from communities. She criticized the Biden administration for its handling of immigration issues, stating that the administration’s failures have contributed to the current crisis.
The introduction of the legislation comes as Los Angeles continues to experience violent riots tied to protests against Trump administration immigration enforcement efforts. The president has deployed thousands of National Guardsmen and women to the streets of Los Angeles, and authorized 700 Marine officers to help protect federal buildings and law enforcement. Meanwhile, Moody also introduced a related bill, the ‘Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals Act’ (Stop GAPS), which would require the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to work with states to ensure proper placements for unaccompanied children while tracking their status throughout immigration proceedings.
Moody’s aide told Fox News Digital that the Biden administration ‘infamously lost track of tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children, many of whom were placed into dangerous situations.’ She criticized the Biden administration for its alleged destruction of border security and enabling of human trafficking operations. The companion bill in the House, introduced by Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla), aims to ensure that local law enforcement has the support needed to enforce immigration laws, including covering overtime pay and personnel costs. Lee emphasized that the bill would help law enforcement officers face life-threatening situations while upholding the rule of law and protecting communities from the chaos of riots.