In Arkansa's “defense against criminal illegals”

Arkansas, USA – the governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, announced on March 17, 2025, the defense against criminal illegal act.

“President Trump made border security one of his top priorities and in just a few months he did what President Vibid refused and eliminated almost illegal border crossings,” said Governor Sanders. “Defense against criminal illegals makes it clear: Arkansas do not tolerate violent illegal illegals and make our contribution to help the Trump administration protect our citizens.”

President Trump declared a national emergency on the southern border in his first office and returned several immigration commands from Biden's presidency. This included one that limited the deportation priorities to people who commit serious crimes and classified as national security threats. Since then, over 20,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested by immigration and customs authority (ICE).

According to Hester, this legislation will help the state “to operate the most dangerous offenders” to bring Arkansas to safety. In addition, the law will increase the penalties for criminals and integrated areas of the state in Arkansas' Sanctuary City ban.

The governor said that the law will also request that the law enforcement authorities take part in the 287 (G) program “to accelerate the deportations and to improve cooperation with civil servants of the federal immigration and customs officials”.