Reject/Vote NO on H.R. 3486: Stop Harsh Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Today I’m writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025, and urge you to vote against this harmful legislation. This bill's expansion of mandatory minimum sentences would exacerbate mass incarceration and worsen racial disparities in our criminal justice system. The United States already has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Mandatory minimums have been a key driver of this crisis, disproportionately impacting communities of color. Research consistently shows that longer sentences have little effect on deterring crime, and they can devastate families and communities while straining our justice system and taxpayer resources to pay for lengthy incarceration. H.R. 3486 would eliminate crucial judicial discretion in sentencing. Judges must have the ability to consider individual circumstances and make fair, appropriate decisions. Mandatory minimums prevent this kind of judicial oversight, that often results in unjust outcomes that don’t serve the interests of justice or public safety. Over 240 national civil and human rights organizations have also voiced strong opposition to this bill. This broad coalition underscores the serious concerns about H.R. 3486's negative impact on civil rights and criminal justice reform efforts. We need smart, evidence-based approaches to public safety and immigration policy - not a return to failed "tough on crime" tactics that have proven ineffective and discriminatory. I urge you to stand against mass incarceration and racial injustice by voting "No" on H.R. 3486. Our communities deserve a justice system that is fair, equitable, and truly serves public safety. Thank you for your consideration of this critical issue.