HR-35 Introduces New Federal Crime for Fleeing Border Patrol, Impacting Immigration Status
A new bill, HR-35, has been introduced to establish a federal offense for intentionally fleeing a pursuing U.S. Border Patrol agent or an officer assisting them while driving within 100 miles of the border. The legislation sets penalties of up to 2 years in prison for the basic offense, with increased terms of 5 to 20 years if serious bodily injury results, and 10 years to life if death occurs. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a conviction or admission of such conduct can render a noncitizen inadmissible, deportable, and ineligible for immigration relief, including asylum. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security are required to provide annual reports to congressional judiciary committees detailing the number of cases charged, apprehended, and penalties imposed.