Rep. Nancy Mace Proposes Bill to Deport Immigrants Convicted of Animal Cruelty
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced a bill on February 16, 2026, targeting immigrants convicted of animal cruelty by making them deportable and inadmissible to the United States. The measure, titled the “Illegal Alien Animal Abuser Removal Act of 2026,” seeks to strengthen enforcement against illegal immigrants who commit acts of animal abuse, emphasizing the connection between such offenses and broader violent behavior.
“If you come here illegally, you’re already a criminal. Add animal cruelty to the list and you’re on the next flight back to where you came from,” Mace declared in a press release accompanying the bill’s unveiling. She stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable animals, calling animal cruelty “a proven red flag for violence against people. These criminals escalate. Our bill makes it crystal clear: commit these sick acts and you’re deported. Immediately. No second chances.”
Mace, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2021 and is currently campaigning for governor of South Carolina, framed the legislation as a necessary step to safeguard both animals and communities. The bill would amend existing immigration laws to explicitly classify animal cruelty convictions as grounds for removal proceedings and inadmissibility determinations.
The proposed legislation aligns with broader efforts by lawmakers to address criminal conduct among unauthorized immigrants, a topic that has been a focal point in immigration debates. Enforcement agencies such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) already prioritize removal of noncitizens involved in serious crimes, but this bill would codify animal cruelty as a specific category warranting deportation.
Experts note that animal abuse is often linked to other forms of violence, including domestic violence and crimes against people. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has recognized animal cruelty as a potential indicator of escalating violent behavior, underscoring the rationale behind the legislation.
The bill also intersects with the Department of Homeland Security’s broader mission to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety. According to DHS immigration enforcement policies, individuals convicted of crimes that threaten community safety may be subject to expedited removal. Mace’s proposal seeks to explicitly include animal cruelty within this framework.
While the bill has garnered support from animal welfare advocates who see it as a tool to deter abuse and hold offenders accountable, it is likely to face scrutiny from immigration rights groups concerned about expanding deportation criteria. The American Civil Liberties Union and similar organizations have historically challenged measures that broaden grounds for removal, emphasizing due process and humanitarian considerations.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it will contribute to ongoing discussions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and criminal justice. For Rep. Mace, the message is unequivocal: “Abuse animals, get deported.” The legislation aims to send a clear signal that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will have immediate consequences for noncitizens residing in the United States without authorization.
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