SEN. JOHN CORNYN: Illegal Aliens Are Driving Drunk. It’s Time Congress Stops Them

Last January, Katie Abraham and Chloe Polzin, two college students in Illinois, were killed in a hit-and-run crash by Julio Cucul-Bol, an illegal alien from Guatemala who was driving drunk. Katie was just 20 years old. Her dad described her as “intelligent,” “so funny, so witty,” and someone who “had this way of bringing people in and making them feel seen.” Because of Julio Cucul-Bol, Mr. Abraham will never be able to walk his daughter down the aisle.

Nearly the same age, Chloe celebrated her 21st birthday just one week before the fatal crash. An avid swimmer who competed in the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, she had a zeal for travel and enjoyed volunteering. As an organ donor, Chloe was able to save five lives, and I hope it’s a comfort to her family knowing that Chloe’s heart beats on.

Across our country, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters are having to bury family, friends, and loved ones who’ve died at the hands of criminal aliens who never should have been allowed in our country in the first place. It doesn’t have to be this way.

That is why I introduced the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act to help keep Americans safe while driving on our roads. My bill would ensure that aliens who drive drunk and kill or seriously maim someone can be arrested, detained, and removed from the United States as aggravated felons. Specifically, any illegal alien who is convicted of a DWI or DUI that results in death or serious bodily injury of another individual would face mandatory detention and could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison for attempting illegal re-entry into the United States.