House passes tough new stop illegal entry act targeting repeat offenders

House passes tough new Stop Illegal Entry Act targeting repeat offenders

by
September 16, 2025
··

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives approved sweeping immigration legislation this week, advancing the Stop Illegal Entry Act, a measure designed to tighten penalties on individuals who illegally enter the United States and commit crimes.

Backed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the bill, formally known as HR 3468, raises mandatory prison sentences for repeat offenders and criminal reentrants, while also expanding penalties for those tied to human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The legislation sets a mandatory minimum prison term of five years for certain offenses and allows life sentences in the most serious cases. For individuals convicted of felonies before removal, those with multiple illegal reentry convictions, or those attempting to reenter unlawfully, penalties can escalate to a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.

Supporters of the bill said the changes would deter future unlawful entries and help curb the smuggling of fentanyl and other drugs across the southern border. “Unfettered immigration seriously endangers the safety of all Americans, especially women and children who are most vulnerable to trafficking,” Smith said in a statement.

The Stop Illegal Entry Act follows earlier passage of the Laken Riley Act, which strengthened deportation laws. Republicans argue both bills are necessary to counteract Biden-era immigration policies that they say allowed millions of migrants to cross the border without sufficient screening.

More than 400 individuals on the federal Terror Watch List were encountered at the border between 2020 and 2024, according to congressional reports cited by supporters of the legislation.

Smith urged the Senate to act quickly, calling on lawmakers to send the measure to President Trump’s desk for signature.

Key Points

  • House passed HR 3468, the Stop Illegal Entry Act, to increase penalties for illegal reentry and related crimes.
  • Bill allows sentences of up to life imprisonment for repeat offenders and those linked to human trafficking or drug smuggling.
  • Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) called on the Senate to pass the legislation and send it to President Trump.
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.