Protect and Respect ICE Act; PRICE Act
Summary
The Protect and Respect ICE Act (PRICE Act) aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to increase criminal penalties for individuals who assault, resist, or impede officers or employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill proposes doubling the maximum term of imprisonment and adjusting the maximum fine for such offenses.
The bill specifically targets actions against ICE personnel, enhancing the penalties beyond those currently in place for similar offenses against other federal officers. This is intended to provide greater protection for ICE officers and employees in the course of their duties.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the PRICE Act would be to increase the severity of punishment for individuals who commit violent acts against ICE officers and employees. This could lead to a greater deterrent effect, potentially reducing the number of assaults, resistance, or impediments against these officers.
It may also lead to increased scrutiny and debate regarding the role and actions of ICE, as well as the appropriateness of enhanced penalties for offenses against its personnel. The bill could also affect the workload and priorities of the Justice Department and federal courts due to the increased penalties.
Potential Benefits
- Increased protection for ICE officers and employees: The enhanced penalties may deter individuals from assaulting, resisting, or impeding ICE personnel.
- Potential reduction in assaults: A stronger deterrent could lead to fewer incidents of violence against ICE officers.
- Reinforcement of the rule of law: The bill sends a message that violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.
- Improved morale within ICE: Knowing that the government is taking steps to protect them could boost morale among ICE officers and employees.
- Potential for safer enforcement operations: Reduced resistance could lead to safer and more efficient enforcement operations.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for disproportionate punishment: Critics may argue that doubling the penalties is excessive and could lead to unjust outcomes.
- Increased tension between ICE and communities: The bill could exacerbate existing tensions between ICE and immigrant communities, leading to further distrust.
- Risk of chilling effect on protests: The enhanced penalties could deter individuals from peacefully protesting ICE actions, infringing on their First Amendment rights.
- Potential for increased litigation: The bill could lead to more legal challenges and appeals, increasing the burden on the justice system.
- Exacerbation of negative perceptions of ICE: The bill could reinforce negative perceptions of ICE as an agency that requires special protection due to its controversial work.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality could be challenged under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, if the enhanced penalties are deemed disproportionate to the offense. The First Amendment right to protest could also be implicated if the law is interpreted or applied in a way that chills free speech and assembly.
However, Congress has broad authority to set criminal penalties under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to define and punish offenses against the United States. The bill's focus on protecting federal officers aligns with the government's interest in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the PRICE Act would likely depend on how it is interpreted and applied by the courts, balancing the government's interest in protecting its officers with individual rights and protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).