In a decisive move, the House approved the Laken Riley Act on Wednesday with a 263-156 vote, clearing the final Congressional hurdle before heading to President Trump's desk. The legislation, named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, aims to broaden federal authority over mandatory detention policies for undocumented individuals charged or convicted of specific crimes. President Trump is expected to sign the bill, making it the first law of his new term.
The Laken Riley Act significantly expands mandatory detention for noncitizens involved in certain crimes, including burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, and assault of law enforcement officers. The legislation also covers crimes resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Importantly, it allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they believe immigration policies have harmed their states or residents. These provisions are designed to tighten immigration controls while giving states more power to challenge federal policies.
The House initially passed a version of the bill earlier this month with bipartisan support, including votes from 48 Democrats. However, the Senate made key amendments before passing the legislation on Monday. These changes further expanded the scope to include violent crimes against law enforcement and other severe offenses. Despite pushback from some Senate Democrats, 12 ultimately supported the bill, ensuring its passage.
The legislation has drawn sharp criticism, primarily from Democrats. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued on the House floor that Republicans, who supported pardons for individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol riot, were hypocritical in pushing for stricter detention laws. During the floor debate, some Democrats also questioned Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) ability to enforce the expanded mandate without additional funding. Others attempted to add provisions to protect DACA recipients or remove the clause empowering state attorneys general, but these efforts failed.
The Laken Riley Act reflects a broader shift in political priorities following the 2024 election, where immigration was a key issue. Last year, the Democratic-controlled Senate stalled the bill, but the new Congress has seen increased bipartisan engagement. Supporters argue the act addresses public safety concerns by removing dangerous undocumented individuals from communities. However, critics worry about the potential strain on ICE resources and the ethical implications of expanded detention.
With the President poised to sign the Laken Riley Act into law, many questions remain about its implementation. Will ICE receive the funding necessary to enforce stricter policies effectively? How will the new law impact undocumented communities and state-federal relations? As the immigration debate continues, this legislation marks a significant step in reshaping U.S. immigration enforcement.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
