PRICE Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2025
Bottom line
The PRICE Act doubles the criminal penalties for individuals who assault, resist, or impede officers or employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 18, United States Code, Section 111, which pertains to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (c) that doubles the maximum term of imprisonment and adjusts the maximum fine for violations committed against an officer or employee of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill provides enhanced protection for ICE officers and employees, who often face dangerous situations in the course of their duties. They contend that increasing penalties will serve as a stronger deterrent against assaults, ensuring that those who target federal law enforcement officers, particularly those involved in critical immigration enforcement, face appropriately severe consequences. This measure is seen as a way to show respect and support for the challenging work performed by ICE personnel.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that existing federal law already provides substantial penalties for assaulting federal officers, and that creating agency-specific enhancements could lead to sentencing disparities without clear justification. They might contend that the current penalties under 18 U.S.C. 111 (up to 8 years, or 20 years if a deadly weapon is used or bodily injury results) are already sufficient to deter and punish such offenses, and that singling out one agency for doubled penalties could be perceived as politically motivated rather than based on a demonstrated need for additional deterrence.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2
Enhanced Penalties for Assaulting ICE Officers or Employees
This provision amends Section 111 of title 18, United States Code, which outlines penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. It adds a new subsection (c) specifically for violations committed against officers or employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For such violations, the maximum term of imprisonment that can be imposed will be doubled, and the corresponding maximum fine will be adjusted proportionally.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that ICE officers face unique and often dangerous circumstances in their enforcement duties, making enhanced penalties a necessary deterrent and a recognition of the risks they undertake. Doubling the maximum sentence sends a strong message that assaults on these officers will be met with severe consequences, thereby improving officer safety and morale.
Critics contend
Critics may contend that existing federal law already provides robust protections for all federal officers, including ICE personnel, and that singling out one agency for enhanced penalties could create an uneven application of justice. They might argue that such specific enhancements could lead to disproportionate sentencing outcomes compared to assaults on officers from other federal agencies, without clear evidence that current penalties are insufficient for ICE.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to provide specific, heightened protection for ICE officers against concerns about maintaining consistency in federal sentencing guidelines across different law enforcement agencies. There is a tension between the perceived need for stronger deterrence in a specific context and the potential for creating disparities in the application of criminal justice.