Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at enhancing public safety by increasing penalties for illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes in Arkansas. The bill is led by Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (District 33) and Representative Frances Cavenaugh (District 30), both of whom support its focus on cracking down on violent offenders.
Strengthening Border Security Measures
Governor Sanders emphasized that the legislation aligns with former President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on border security, stating, “President Trump made border security one of his top priorities, and in just a few months, he has done what President Biden refused to and nearly eliminated illegal border crossings.”
The proposed legislation seeks to:
- Increase penalties for illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in Arkansas.
- Expand the state’s sanctuary city ban to include unincorporated areas and counties.
- Mandate state law enforcement cooperation with the federal 287(g) program, expediting deportations and strengthening ties with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester emphasized that this bill is designed to reduce violent crime across Arkansas, saying, “This legislation will help Arkansas reduce violent crime and keep us a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Representative Frances Cavenaugh added, “The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act will help us crack down on the most dangerous offenders and keep Arkansans safe.”
Record-Low Border Crossings and Increased Immigration Enforcement
In the first month of President Trump’s second term, ICE arrested over 20,000 illegal immigrants, and border crossings reached a record low in February 2025. According to reports, illegal border crossings dropped to 8,300, marking a 94% decrease from 140,641 the previous year.
In addition to federal enforcement, Arkansas law enforcement has also taken action against criminal offenders in the state. Notable cases include:
- Luis Danielle Valdez-Reyes, a violent illegal immigrant arrested after striking an Arkansas State Trooper.
- Elias Avila Bustillo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador arrested for his ties to illegal gang activity in his home country.
- Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera, who was responsible for the drunk driving accident that killed Little Rock nurse Jennifer Ann Morton.
Governor Sanders’ Continued Efforts to Support Border Security
Governor Sanders has taken an active role in supporting border security since taking office. In 2023, she sent 80 Arkansas National Guardsmen to Texas to assist law enforcement efforts. She later deployed 40 additional guardsmen and visited the border herself, joining Republican governors in calling for stronger federal action.
Governor Sanders criticized President Biden’s administration for what she described as a failure to secure the border, saying her administration would continue to take decisive action to ensure the safety of Arkansans.
The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act marks Arkansas’ latest effort to combat illegal immigration while reinforcing national security measures at the state level.
