Congressman Biggs' Statement on Supreme Court's "Jennings v Rodriguez" Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-3 decision, reversed the judgement of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the Jennings v Rodriguez case. The case involves several illegal aliens who have been ordered deported from the United States, but who disagree with being detained while challenging their deportation. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a departure from federal law, ruled that these aliens are entitled to challenge their detention every six months until a final decision on their deportation is made. Further, the Court inappropriately ruled that the alien should be released unless the government can prove they are likely to flee or they pose a serious threat to public safety.
Last year, Congressman Biggs joined 28 U.S. Representatives and 2 Senators on an amicus brief for this case, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold current law, which requires detention of aliens ordered removed for aggravated felonies or attempts to enter the country illegally. Congressman Biggs released the following statement:
"I am pleased with the Court's ruling today. Five Justices stood up for enforcement of America's immigration laws and again stopped a rogue federal court. Many of the illegal aliens repeatedly protected by the Ninth Circuit have committed serious crimes and pose serious harms to our society. Our communities routinely experience the dangers of allowing criminal aliens to roam free in our streets, leading to tragedies like the murder of my constituent Grant Ronnebeck. It is unacceptable for the Ninth Circuit to create new rights for illegal aliens that were outside of the bounds of current federal law and that are detrimental to the security of Americans.
"This decision underscores the importance of Congress to pass legislation that will protect our constituents from criminally violent illegal aliens. The House has already passed several bills that protect Americans, including ‘Grant's Law' and ‘Kate's Law.' Unfortunately, these bills sit idly in the Senate. By refusing to consider these vital pieces of legislation, the Senate empowers courts, such as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, to make unconstitutional policies instead of applying the laws passed by the representation of the people. I request that the Senate do their jobs and consider the bills the House previously approved."
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Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.