Rep. Gaetz calls for deporting illegal immigrants in national disease emergencies, amid coronavirus

Rep. Matt Gaetz has filed legislation that calls for deporting illegal immigrants being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a national emergency concerning a communicable disease.

The bill was filed amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The PANDEMIC Act – an acronym for The Protect American Nationals During Emergencies by Mitigating the Immigration Crisis Act – does not require the removal of illegal immigrants with a pending charge against them for violent crime.

This carveout was included to ensure aliens who committed violent crimes in the country are held accountable.

Gaetz, a Florida Republican, says his legislation comes in response to a measure proposed by Democratic Reps. Cory Booker, of New Jersey, and Pramila Jayapal, of Washington, that calls for the release of many illegal immigrants held by ICE during the national emergency related to the coronavirus.

"It is unconscionable that at a time when we should be working together as Americans, Democrats are working to socially engineer our country and advance their legislative priorities," Gaetz said according to a statement. "The PANDEMIC Act puts Americans first by requiring that all illegal aliens be deported during a pandemic, ensuring our resources are used to benefit and protect American citizen."