Ted Cruz Wants to Use Law Meant to Prosecute Gangs to Go After Anti-ICE Protest Organizers

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is attempting to use legislation intended to prosecute violent gang members to punish those organizing protests against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement instead.

The GOP Senator drafted up legislation that attempts to penalize organizations and individuals assisting with the planning of "violent" and "extreme" anti-ICE and anti-semitic protests across the nation.

"Every American has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, but not to commit violence," Senator Cruz told Fox News Digital. "Domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries fund and use riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans."

Cruz introduced the The Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (STOP FUNDERs) Act to the Senate on Tuesday. The Act aims to permit the Department of Justice to enlist the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to charge organizations who help plan violent riots or protests with conspiracy charges, asset forfeiture and enhanced criminal penalties.

"My legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to hold them accountable, and I urge my colleagues to pass it expeditiously," Cruz added.

Last month, thousands protesting ICE wreaked havoc across the city of Los Angeles, with the city reporting over $20 million in total damage, including the defacing of public buildings.

Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security reported that the number of assaults on ICE officers has increased by 830%.

"Just in: our brave @ICEGov law enforcement are now facing a 830% INCREASE in assault against them," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday in a post on X. "This new data reflects the violence against our law enforcement in cities across the country in the last few weeks. Politicians across the country, regardless of political stripe, must condemn this."