One Driving Error Could Soon Result in the Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants | Carscoops

      The measure must now pass through the Senate before it can become law.

      The House approved a bill aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of DUI offenses.

      The vote concluded with a tally of 246 in favor and 160 against, with 37 Democrats supporting their Republican counterparts.

      Critics raise concerns about the risks of profiling and the existence of overlapping laws already in place.

      A new immigration proposal is advancing in Congress, reigniting discussions regarding public safety, deportation policies, and the political implications involved.

      The House of Representatives has just approved legislation permitting the deportation of undocumented immigrants upon DUI convictions. The bill, having passed with a 246-160 vote, will now proceed to the Senate for additional consideration. If it receives approval there, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

      Entitled "The Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025," HB275 would also render those deported under this law ineligible to return to the U.S. A similar bill was introduced by Rep. Barry Moore in 2024 but did not progress past the Senate.

      “Today, we consider a straightforward, common-sense bill stating that if someone is a guest in our country and drives drunk, they should indeed be deported,” Moore remarked. “For the average American, supporting this bill is commonsensical. Even in these divided times, Democrats should be able to unite with Republicans to support such rational legislation. After all, deporting dangerous criminals is a logical and coherent action this House should pursue.” In fact, 37 House Democrats supported the bill.

      The legislation honors Brandon Mendoza, Jeremy Seay, and Angel Seay, three individuals who lost their lives in incidents involving undocumented immigrants convicted of DUI. Importantly, the law is not retroactive, meaning it will only apply to non-citizens convicted of DUI after its enactment.

      Not all organizations agree with the act as it stands. WSFA reports on the Minnesota-based Advocates for Human Rights, which assert that it “associates DUI arrests with immigration enforcement despite the fact that marginalized communities often experience disproportionate over-policing and racial profiling.”

      Others have criticized the lack of enforcement of existing laws. “Let’s stop the theatrics and enforce the laws we have. Being here illegally is already grounds for deportation. All the spectacle with new 'Acts' only wastes time and achieves nothing tangible,” a commenter stated, indicating a valid perspective. The ball is now in the Senate's court to determine whether this act will advance, eventually reaching President Trump for his approval to become law.