Congressman Tony Gonzales is introducing tough new legislation that would double prison time and fines for anyone who assaults or impedes law enforcement officers, sending a clear message to anti-police rioters that attacks on those who protect our communities will no longer be tolerated.
Key Takeaways
- The Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS) Act would significantly increase penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers, including ICE and CBP officials.
- Maximum prison sentences would increase to 2 years for simple assault, 10 years for felony assault, and 25 years for assault with a dangerous weapon.
- The legislation defines “explosive materials,” including fireworks, as dangerous or deadly weapons when used against officers.
- The COPS Act directly responds to violent anti-ICE protests organized by leftist groups that have resulted in damaged vehicles and injured officers.
- The bill represents a strong stance against sanctuary policies that undermine federal law enforcement duties.
Tougher Penalties for Those Who Attack Law Enforcement
Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales has unveiled legislation that would deliver severe consequences to individuals who assault or interfere with law enforcement officers performing their duties. The Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS) Act aims to strengthen protections for all law enforcement personnel, with specific attention to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who have increasingly become targets of violent protests. The bill comes at a crucial time when respect for law enforcement has been undermined by years of “defund the police” rhetoric from the radical left.
“The chaos unleashed by rioters in Los Angeles this weekend is anything but a peaceful protest—it’s anarchy. Radical activists damaged Border Patrol and ICE vehicles while these agents were on duty, and as a result, injuries were reported,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales, Representative from Texas.
Specific Penalty Increases for Three Types of Assault
The COPS Act proposes substantial increases in penalties across three categories of assault against law enforcement officers. For simple assault, the maximum prison sentence would double from one year to two years, while fines would increase from $100,000 to $200,000. Felony assault, which involves physical contact causing bodily injury, would carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. The most severe category, felony assault with a dangerous or deadly weapon, would see penalties increase from 20 years to 25 years imprisonment, with fines doubling from $250,000 to $500,000.
Notably, the legislation explicitly defines “explosive materials,” including items like fireworks, as dangerous or deadly weapons when used against officers. This provision addresses the increasingly common tactic of protestors using seemingly harmless objects as weapons against law enforcement. The comprehensive approach aims to close loopholes that have allowed violent agitators to escape serious consequences for their actions against those who protect our communities.
Response to Anti-ICE Violence and Sanctuary Policies
The COPS Act represents a direct response to organized violent protests targeting federal immigration enforcement. According to reports, anti-ICE protests have been coordinated by far-left organizations, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), and have turned violent in multiple cities across the country. These are not spontaneous gatherings but calculated efforts to disrupt the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws and intimidate the officers tasked with that responsibility.
“It’s time to highlight a very clear message: if you harm a law enforcement officer, you’re going to face severe consequences,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales, Representative from Texas.
Beyond addressing direct assaults, the legislation also takes aim at sanctuary policies that hinder law enforcement operations. Many Democrat-led cities have implemented policies preventing local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, effectively shielding illegal immigrants from deportation and creating safe havens for those who have broken our laws. The COPS Act would strengthen the federal government’s ability to punish those who deliberately obstruct immigration enforcement operations.
A Strong Message to Protect Those Who Protect Us
Congressman Gonzales has made it clear that this legislation sends a powerful message about the value America places on its law enforcement officers. As violent anti-police rhetoric continues to come from radical leftist quarters, the COPS Act represents a concrete step toward restoring respect for those who risk their lives to maintain law and order. The increased penalties are designed not only to punish offenders but to serve as a deterrent against future attacks on officers.
“This week, I will introduce the COPS Act in Congress to increase charges for anyone who assaults our law enforcement personnel or keeps them from performing their official duties. Let this be a warning to rioters or far-left officials who back sanctuary policies and let madness break out in their streets—harming or undermining our men and women in the line of duty will not be tolerated,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales, Representative from Texas.
With the Trump administration’s continued focus on law and order, the COPS Act aligns perfectly with the president’s commitment to supporting police officers and border security personnel. The legislation represents a return to common sense in our approach to public safety, acknowledging that those who protect our communities deserve protection themselves. As the bill moves through Congress, it stands as a clear repudiation of the anti-police sentiment that has been allowed to fester in leftist strongholds across America.
