House Republicans have introduced a new bill that would make illegal immigrants convicted of first-degree murder eligible for the death penalty — even in states where capital punishment is currently abolished.
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) unveiled the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murder Act on Thursday. The legislation would establish a new category of federal crimes targeting individuals in the U.S. illegally who commit murder, allowing for life imprisonment or capital punishment upon conviction.
“We can hold those individuals accountable at the federal level because they’re here illegally,” Luttrell told Fox News Digital. “Here we are with that legislation.”
Federal Authority Over State Penalties
The bill would effectively give the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute such murder cases independently of state law. That means even in states where the death penalty has been abolished, the federal government could still pursue capital punishment for undocumented immigrants convicted of murder.
Inspiration Behind the Bill
Luttrell cited a 2023 Texas case, in which a man who had been deported multiple times re-entered the U.S. and was later arrested for killing five people.
“That guy shouldn’t have been here. He had been deported a couple times, snuck back across the border, and now this happened,” Luttrell said. “It’s time for us to step in and do this.”
Connection to Trump’s Executive Order
The bill aligns with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, in January 2025, which mandated the death penalty for illegal immigrants convicted of severe crimes, including the murder of police officers.
Political Support and Outlook
Luttrell’s bill currently has seven Republican co-sponsors, including Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), chair of the Republican Study Committee. While it’s unclear how much bipartisan support it may garner, Luttrell expressed hope that some Democrats would join, citing growing public concern over border security.
“I do not run away from those conversations at all, because I think it’s necessary,” he said. “The American public voted for this administration because of the border.”
The legislation comes amid increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement and border policy, with GOP lawmakers using high-profile crimes involving undocumented immigrants as a rallying point for stricter federal measures.
