Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) would expand existing resources for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to upgrade law enforcement vehicle protection.
The legislation, the Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicles Act, would allow law enforcement organizations to make upgrades to vehicles for security purposes, including bulletproofing. Gonzalez said the bill is in response to increased threats to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“Recent reports show a major uptick in attacks on our law enforcement, especially ICE agents, and their assets,” Gonzalez said. “My bill… authorizes the use of federal funding allocated for task forces to go toward providing law enforcement with vehicle security enhancements, including bulletproof windows. 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.”
The legislation is endorsed by the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition and the Southwest Border Sheriff’s Coalition.
“Law enforcement officers are being targeted in and around their patrol vehicles at an alarming rate,” Bert Eyler, president of the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, said. “The Bulletproof Law Enforcement Vehicle Act is 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.”