ACLU Opposes Gangbuster Bill

The ACLU, Human Rights Watch , and the NAACP are fighting a bill that is set to go before the House floor on Wednesday. It is called the Gangbuster Bill and is aimed at federalizing conviction of gang-related violent offenses with mandatory sentences of at least 10 years. It would also expand the range of crimes punishable by death, and enable U.S. prosecutors to try 16- and 17-year-old gang members as adults in federal courts.

Gang numbers, which include the notorious MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha of Central America), have risen to more than 750,000 members. This number exceeds the number of police officers nationwide according to Rep. Randy Forbes (R. Va) who is sponsoring the bill.

The MS-13 gang has gained noteriety for it's involvement with shock crimes such as gang victims that have been hacked by machetes and had fingers cut off in Virginia. MS-13 members also are suspected of beheading several young women in Central America.

But the ACLU and it's civil rights cohorts believe that the involvement of the federal government is wrong and the states should be governing punishment of those convicted. The ACLU strongly opposes anyone under the age of 18 being tried as an adult and has recently been involved in litigation against a state for this very reason.

It is in all of our best interests that this does become federal jurisdiction. Why? To make it extremely hard for the ACLU to bring forth a suit due to the age of the offender. Especially, if that offender is guilty of horrific crimes such as mutilation and murder. Passing the bill would enable legislators to create federal taskforces dedicated to gang information sharing and prosecution. It would also bring much needed funding into law enforcement that is presently not available through individual state coffers.

Find out more on how you can Stop the ACLU today. Contact your Congressman and let them know you want them to stop gangs like the MS-13, many who are illegal aliens coming into our country.