Senate Urged to Pass Bill Mandating 10-Year Prison for Repeat Illegal Entry

Former President Donald Trump has publicly called on the U.S. Senate to pass "Kate's Law," a legislative proposal aimed at imposing a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for individuals who re-enter the country illegally after being deported. The former President's remarks, shared by Eric Daugherty, emphasize the bill's significance in honoring Kate Steinle, who was killed in 2015 by an undocumented immigrant.

"Her father was destroyed, virtually destroyed. And they wanted to pass what they call Kate's Law. And it's now again in Congress," President Trump stated, adding, "I hear we're going to get it passed in Congress. And when it gets up to the Senate, I hope you guys can pass it." He further asserted, "If they would have had that, Kate Steinle would be alive today...I think it's time that we pass it."

Kate's Law, or more recently the "Stop Illegal Entry Act" (H.R. 3486 in the House, S.2547 in the Senate), seeks to significantly increase penalties for illegal re-entry. The current iteration, passed by the House on September 11, 2025, with bipartisan support, mandates a five-year minimum sentence for illegal re-entry after a prior crime punishable by over one year, escalating to 10 years for those with crimes punishable by up to two years. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced S.2547 in the Senate on July 30, 2025, where it was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

The legislation has garnered support from proponents who view it as a critical measure to enhance public safety and deter repeat immigration offenses. House Speaker Mike Johnson lauded H.R. 3486 as a "commonsense" deterrent against those who repeatedly violate U.S. immigration law. However, criminal justice organizations have voiced strong opposition, describing the bill as impractical and a "mass incarceration bill."

Critics, including Jesse Franzblau of the National Immigrant Justice Center, argue that the bill would lead to the incarceration of thousands for non-violent offenses, straining federal courts and the Bureau of Prisons. Estimates suggest the measure could lead to 7,000 individuals receiving 10-year mandatory minimum sentences based on 2024 statistics, with significant financial costs and potential for overwhelming the legal system. The bill now faces the challenge of securing the necessary 60 votes in the Senate to advance.