Arizona Senate Passes Bill to Require Stricter Sentences for Illegal Aliens who Commit Crimes in State



Arizona State Line highway sign, iStock, Copyright: David Sucsy

The Arizona Senate passed Senate Bill 1377 (SB 137), also known as “Grant’s Law”, to prohibit illegal aliens from being eligible for early release from custody. The Senate approved SB 1377 by a 19-11 vote.

Specifically, SB 1377 requires that illegal aliens serve the full sentence of any crime they commit without a chance for bail or parole. The prohibition includes any release for probation, suspension of a sentence, community supervision, commutation, or release on any other basis until the criminal alien’s sentence is served. SB 1377 also limits judicial discretion by requiring the court to sentence the illegal alien to the maximum sentence of the crime committed.

The measure is named after 21-year-old Grant Ronnebeck who was fatally shot by an illegal alien last year. The illegal alien suspect had recently been released on bond from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement before he shot and killed Ronnebeck over a pack of cigarettes at the convenience store where Ronnebeck worked. The suspect had also previously been released from state law enforcement custody on probation with no jail time for a burglary conviction.

Arizona Senator Steve Smith (R-11) introduced SB 1377 to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. “It’s a good first step in the right direction of protecting families like his,” referring to the victim’s father in attendance.

The Arizona House of Representatives must approve SB 1377 before it can be sent to Governor Doug Ducey’s desk for signature.

Resources for Arizona:

Take Action in Arizona

AZ Immigration Facts

Cost of Illegal Immigration Infographic

Report an Illegal Alien

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Content written by Federation for American Immigration Reform staff.

9 Comments

  1. avatar

    How many more citizens have to die because of this illegal alien problem? We need a secure border–E-Verify—no jobs for illegals—stop visa overstays and no anchor babies.

  2. avatar

    There should be a law like this enacted by every state in the Union. Thank you Arizona for leading the way and showing the light.

    • avatar

      100% disagree. The AZ taxpayers will be punished by providing for their care for the entire length of their jail/prison sentence. They should NOT BE IN THE COUNTRY TO BEGIN WITH. Uncle Fraud has maintained open borders, then one way or the other, (welfare system or prison system), guess who is really punished for their presence?

  3. avatar
    Not Politically Correct on

    Then they should be released to ICE and deported back to their country of origin immediately. NO questions asked no protests allowed and no more court proceedings.