Police Group Endorses 'ICE Protection Act'

The ICE Protection Act of 2026, introduced by Senator John Cornyn of Texas, would significantly increase federal penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal law enforcement officers. The bill proposes doubling the maximum prison term from 20 to 40 years for such acts when a dangerous weapon is used or an officer is injured. A key provision of the legislation establishes new mandatory minimum sentences specifically for offenders who use a vehicle to assault an officer. Under the act, an assault with a vehicle resulting in bodily injury would carry a minimum five-year prison sentence. That minimum rises to seven years for "substantial bodily injury" and ten years for "serious bodily injury." The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 15, 2026, with co-sponsors including Senators Lindsey Graham, Bill Hagerty, and James Lankford, and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Cornyn stated the legislation "sends a clear message that attacks on those who protect and serve will not be tolerated," linking the bill to what he described as a "senseless crusade against our brave men and women in law enforcement." This legislation comes amid a broader, intense debate over the tactics and authority of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Civil and human rights organizations have condemned what they term "federal lawlessness" and "deadly abuses" connected to ICE operations. In January 2026, a coalition of over 500 civil rights groups called on Congress to reject any increased funding for ICE and instead impose restraints and accountability measures on the agency. While law enforcement groups like the Fraternal Order of Police have advocated for seamless cooperation with ICE, a growing number of states have moved in the opposite direction. Citing concerns over civil rights and community trust, at least ten Democrat-led states have enacted laws prohibiting or limiting local law enforcement from entering into cooperative agreements with ICE. The ACLU has filed multiple lawsuits against ICE, alleging unconstitutional enforcement, racial profiling, and unlawful arrests. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has also called for systemic reform and accountability for ICE personnel, stating the agency has "created a crisis of legitimacy." These groups argue for more restrictions on ICE, a stance directly at odds with the ICE Protection Act's goal of increasing penalties for those who confront its agents.