"Harming or undermining our men and women in the line of duty will not be tolerated.”
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) announced he will introduce legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to take severe action against those who assault law enforcement personnel, including ICE Agents or CBP officials. If enacted, the Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS Act) would increase jail time and civil fines for assaulting a law enforcement officer or interfering with the performance of their official duties. This legislation also defines "explosive materials,” such as fireworks or other combustible projectiles, as dangerous or deadly weapons.
“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. 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. “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.”
The Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS Act)
- Increases criminal and civil penalties for three different kinds of assault on law enforcement officers:
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- Simple Assault: for anyone who forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with federal officers in performing their duties or as a result of their duties, jail time is doubled from a maximum of 1 year in prison to 2 years in prison. Fines are increased from $100,000 to $200,000.
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- Felony Assault: for anyone whose acts of assault involve physical contact with law enforcement or the intent to commit another felony, jail time is increased to a 10-year maximum.
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- Felony Assault with a Dangerous and Deadly Weapon: for anyone who uses a deadly or dangerous weapon or inflicts bodily injury, jail time is increased from 20 years to up to 25 years. Fines would be increased to $500,000, up from $250,000.
- Defines explosive materials, such as fireworks or other combustible projectiles, as dangerous or deadly weapons.
