Illegal immigrants who have been convicted of or who have committed an offense related to entering a United States military, Naval, or Coast Guard property would not be allowed on that property and would be deported under legislation introduced recently by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX).
The congressman is the lead original cosponsor of the Protecting Military Assets Act of 2024, H.R. 8969, which U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) sponsored on July 9 alongside five other Republican original cosponsors.
“As the former Homeland Security Committee chairman, I know how seriously we must take every threat at our border — especially those that approach sensitive facilities like our military bases,” Rep. McCaul said. “I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside fellow Texan Rep. Luttrell to help mitigate the national security crisis President Biden created and protect those serving in our Armed Forces.”
Introduction of H.R. 8969 follows an event in May when two individuals posing as Amazon delivery drivers attempted to breach a Marine Corps Base in Virginia after failing to provide access credentials. Both were found to be in the country illegally, with one reportedly on the terrorist watch list, according to information provided by Rep. McCaul’s staff.
“The recent breach at a Marine Corps base underscores the urgent need for robust measures to safeguard our military installations from threats such as this,” said Rep. Luttrell. “This legislation takes an important step to strengthen our defenses and sends a clear message that threats to our Armed Forces will not be tolerated.”
H.R. 8969 has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration.