Congressman Tony Gonzales is doubling the jail time for simple assaults on federal law enforcement officers, sending a clear message to violent protesters targeting ICE and CBP officials: attack officers, face severe consequences.
Key Takeaways
- The COPS Act will increase penalties for assaulting federal law enforcement, including maximum jail time for simple assault doubled from 1 to 2 years
- The legislation specifically addresses attacks on ICE and CBP officers following violent protests in Los Angeles
- Penalties for felony assault with a dangerous weapon will increase to 25 years imprisonment and $500,000 in fines
- The bill classifies explosive materials, including fireworks used in recent protests, as dangerous or deadly weapons
- The legislation directly confronts sanctuary city policies that undermine law enforcement operations
Strengthening Protections for Law Enforcement
Congressman Tony Gonzales has introduced the Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, targeting the growing problem of violence against federal law enforcement officers. The legislation specifically addresses attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who have faced increasing hostility while performing their duties. In response to recent violent incidents, the COPS Act aims to create a powerful deterrent by significantly increasing penalties for those who assault or impede law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties.
“The chaos unleashed by rioters in Los Angeles this weekend is anything but a peaceful protest—it’s anarchy. Radical activists damaged Border Patrol and ICE vehicles while these agents were on duty, and as a result, injuries were reported,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
— Tom Glass (@tomgglass) June 4, 2025
Tiered Penalty Structure for Assaults
The COPS Act establishes a comprehensive tiered system of enhanced penalties based on the severity of the assault against law enforcement officers. For simple assault, the maximum jail time would double from one year to two years, with fines increasing from $100,000 to $200,000. Felony assaults resulting in bodily injury would face up to ten years imprisonment. The most severe category, felony assault with a dangerous or deadly weapon, would see maximum jail sentences increase from 20 to 25 years and fines double from $250,000 to $500,000.
The legislation explicitly defines “explosive materials,” including fireworks that have been used against officers during protests, as dangerous or deadly weapons. This classification directly addresses tactics employed by radical leftist groups who have organized violent demonstrations against immigration enforcement officers in multiple cities. The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) has been identified as one of the organizations behind these disruptive and dangerous protests that have resulted in damage to federal vehicles and injuries to personnel.
“It’s time to highlight a very clear message: if you harm a law enforcement officer, you’re going to face severe consequences,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Standing Against Sanctuary Policies
Beyond addressing direct violence against law enforcement, the COPS Act also takes aim at sanctuary policies implemented by far-left officials that effectively hamper the ability of federal officers to fulfill their duties. These policies, which restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, create dangerous environments where illegal immigrants with criminal records can avoid deportation. Gonzales’s legislation represents a strong stance against such policies that undermine the rule of law and endanger communities.
“This week, I will introduce the COPS Act in Congress to increase charges for anyone who assaults our law enforcement personnel or keeps them from performing their official duties. Let this be a warning to rioters or far-left officials who back sanctuary policies and let madness break out in their streets—harming or undermining our men and women in the line of duty will not be tolerated,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
With the Trump administration firmly committed to strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, the COPS Act aligns perfectly with the President’s agenda to support law enforcement and crack down on lawlessness. The legislation provides federal officers with the assurance that their safety is a priority and that those who threaten it will face serious repercussions. As violence against ICE and CBP officers continues to be incited by radical groups, this enhanced protection comes at a critical time for those serving on the frontlines of America’s security.
