Former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director and current Border Czar Tom Homan fired back at Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett after her recent claim that illegally entering the U.S. is “not a crime.” The statement, which contradicts federal law, was made during her appearance on MSNBC’s “The Katie Phang Show.”
During the show, Rep. Crockett discussed her stance on immigration laws and policies, referencing a recent House committee hearing on sanctuary cities. She argued that entering the U.S. without legal authorization constitutes a “civil accusation” rather than a criminal violation.
“It is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally… It’s not a crime,” Crockett stated. “Which is why they’re [Republicans] so frustrated, because they really want our local law enforcement to go out and round up people when they could be looking out for the murderers and the sexual abusers, as well as the robbers. They want them to go and round people up on civil accusations.”
Homan corrected Crockett’s assertion, emphasizing the legal reality of illegal entry:
“It’s a crime to enter the country illegally under Title 8, United States Code 1325, and it’s really pathetic that any member of Congress doesn’t understand what the law says,” Homan stated on FOX Business. “They broke the law… It is a criminal violation to enter the country illegally. If you’ve entered before, it’s a felony. I’ve been saying this for I don’t know how long… it’s a crime to enter this country, and we’re going to enforce those laws.”
FOX Business explains under U.S. law, specifically Title 8 U.S. Code 1325, first-time illegal entry is classified as a federal misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders face steeper penalties, including fines and up to two years in prison. Further, individuals who reenter after being deported following previous misdemeanor or felony offenses can face even harsher legal consequences.
While illegal entry is indeed a criminal offense, overstaying a visa—another common immigration violation—is classified differently. Overstaying an authorized “period of stay” under a visa is not a criminal offense but rather a civil violation.
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I LIVE IN TEXAS!!! THESE VOTERS THAT ELECTED THIS BONEHEADED REPRESENTATIVE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY’VE DONE!!! SHE EITHER DOESN’T KNOW THE LAW, OR SHE REFUSES TO UNDERSTAND ITS INTENT!! THIS EXCUSE FOR A TEXAN NEEDS TO BE PRIMARIED OUT OF EXISTANCE!!
“Entering the country illegally in violation of federal immigration law 8 USC 1325 is not a crime,” says Jasmine Crockett, an elected lawmaker. There should be a required intelligence test to be in Congress.
I AGREE WITH LMB AND COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER!
The democrat party has achieved a net-negative average I.Q.