HOUSE PASSES 'STOP ILLEGAL ENTRY ACT' — GOP PUSHES HARSher CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSINGS

The House passed the Stop Illegal Entry Act (H.R. 3486) in a 226-197 vote, advancing GOP-led legislation that raises criminal penalties for unlawful entry and reentry — including multi-year mandatory sentences and up to life for felony-related reentry. The bill drew 11 Democratic votes and has White House backing as it moves to the Senate, signaling a coordinated Republican escalation on immigration enforcement.