Last Updated on March 12, 2021
The Democrat Background Checks Act that was passed this week with Republican support is designed to make it harder for law-abiding American citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, but actually makes it easier for segment of the population to obtain firearms: illegal immigrants.
The Background Checks Act aims to end private sales of firearms between consenting individuals, forcing the weapon to be seized by “a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer” while an extensive federal background check is conducted.
However, as House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) pointed out on Thursday, House Democrats rejected an amendment to the bill that would prevent firearms from falling into the hands of illegal immigrants.
“BREAKING → House Democrats just REJECTED an amendment that would have required ICE to be notified if an illegal immigrant tries to buy a gun. But they’re fine taking away the gun rights of law-abiding American citizens,” Scalise stated on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/SteveScalise/status/1370045913004146691
Rep. Ben Cline noted during a speech that “Instead of criminalizing the innocent actions of law-abiding gun owners – American citizens – we should be focused on stopping real crime in our local communities and enforcing the laws that are already on the books,” noting that “One way we can do that is by ensuring that ICE is notified when unlawful aliens attempt to purchase a firearm illegally.”
“Since 1998, over 28,000 illegal aliens have been denied a firearm after failing a NICS check,” Cline continued. “With over 2,700 in 2019 alone, this means over 28,000 criminals have been allowed to stay in the United States when ICE should have been alerted about their criminal acts, but were not. H.R. 8 fails to do anything to prevent crime, which is why I’m offering this motion to recommit so our nation’s laws are enforced.”
WATCH: @RepBenCline offered a motion to recommit which would ensure ICE is notified when illegal immigrants attempt to buy a firearm illegally.
17 House Democrats – who voted in favor of this common sense measure last Congress – flip-flopped and voted against it… pic.twitter.com/fTDlqaa3R8
— Chad Gilmartin (@ChadGilmartinCA) March 11, 2021
Earlier this week, 20 Senate Republicans voted to confirm Biden AG nominee Merrick Garland, who has a history of trying to curtail Second Amendment rights.
