Rep. Tony Gonzales Introduces the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to the recent increase in threats toward Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act to expand existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resources for law enforcement vehicle security upgrades.

"Recent reports show a major uptick in attacks on our law enforcement, especially ICE agents, and their assets. My bill, the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, authorizes the use of federal funding allocated for task forces to go toward providing law enforcement with vehicle security enhancements, including bulletproof windows," said Congressman Tony Gonzales. "As our ICE agents and their law enforcement counterparts continue to crack down on the worst of the worst, they should have adequately equipped vehicles to continue keeping themselves and Americans safe."

"Law enforcement officers are being targeted in and around their patrol vehicles at an alarming rate. The Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicle Actis a practical, commonsense step that allows existing Homeland Security resources to be used where they are needed most-protecting officers' lives. Congressman Tony Gonzales understands the real risks officers face, especially in border and high-threat regions, and this bill sends a clear message that officer safety and retention matter, " said Bert Eyler, President, Police Officers' Defense Coalition.

The Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act is endorsed by the Police Officers' Defense Coalition, the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition, and the Southwest Border Sheriff's Coalition.

Background:

The Homeland Security Investigations-led Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) combats border security threats by deploying federal, state, local, and tribal (SLT) and international enforcement authorities to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and their operations. Ensuring resources are allocated to all units of the task force is crucial to supporting and building upon their successful work.

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