The recent incident in South Carolina highlights serious concerns surrounding illegal immigration and violent crime. On February 1, a law enforcement officer was shot in the chest by Floriberto Perez-Nieto, an illegal alien who had previously been deported after a conviction for illegal reentry. The confrontation began in Johns Island, where deputies were responding to gunfire. While pursuing Perez-Nieto, the officers attempted to pull over his vehicle. However, he failed to comply, triggering a chase that ended when he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.
During the foot pursuit, Perez-Nieto fired at deputies, striking one in the protective vest. Thanks to the officer’s body armor, he survived the encounter. Assistant Secretary for DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, commented on the situation, saying, “This criminal illegal alien illegally obtained a firearm and nearly killed a law enforcement officer.” Her remarks underscore the dangers presented by repeat offenders like Perez-Nieto, whose illegal actions directly jeopardized the safety of law enforcement officials.
Following this incident, DHS revealed that Perez-Nieto had not only illegally re-entered the country after his deportation in February 2019 but also managed to obtain a firearm illegally. This raises questions about how such individuals can secure weapons after prior offenses. The department continues to emphasize the need for strong measures against illegal immigration, particularly when it results in violent crimes.
DHS has also expanded its “Worst of the Worst” website, which now includes an additional 5,000 entries of criminal illegal aliens, bringing the total to a staggering 2,576 pages. This list features individuals with serious criminal histories, including homicide, assault, and armed robbery. The aim of this transparency is to inform the public and raise awareness about the impact of illegal immigration on American communities.
The situation invokes a critical examination of law enforcement’s role in dealing with repeat offenders and the broader implications for public safety. The statement from DHS urges the media to highlight not only the crimes committed by illegal immigrants but also the victims affected. The hope is that the media will continue to cover these alarming stories, shining a light on the ongoing struggles with illegal immigration and its consequences for American society.
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