Bipartisan Effort Pushes Laken Riley Act Through Senate

Hand checking "Pass" box on chalkboard.

Senate passes Laken Riley Act, expanding detention of illegal immigrants accused of crimes, as the debate over implementation costs and impacts intensifies.

Quick Takes

  • Laken Riley Act passes Senate with bipartisan support, mandating ICE detention for illegal immigrants accused of certain crimes.
  • Bill allows states to sue federal government over immigration law enforcement failures.
  • Critics raise concerns about broad detention criteria and potential impacts on arrested but not convicted immigrants.
  • Implementation costs estimated between $3 billion to $27 billion annually.
  • “Sarah’s Law” amendment added, requiring detention of illegal immigrants linked to deaths or serious injuries.

Senate Approves Laken Riley Act with Bipartisan Support

The U.S. Senate has approved the Laken Riley Act, a significant piece of immigration legislation that has garnered bipartisan support. The bill, named after a 22-year-old nursing student murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, passed with a vote of 64 to 35, with 12 Democrats joining all voting Republicans in favor. This legislation is set to be one of the first bills sent to President Trump’s desk after overcoming the legislative filibuster’s 60-vote threshold twice in a month.

Key Provisions of the Laken Riley Act

The Laken Riley Act introduces several important measures aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement. It mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest and detain illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, or shoplifting until deportation. A Republican amendment added assault of law enforcement officers to this list of triggering crimes. Additionally, the bill grants states the right to take civil action against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

“Today we return to common sense, we return to practicality. If you come here illegally and you commit a crime, you should not be free to roam the streets of this nation. Our children deserve better.” – Sen. Katie Britt

The Senate also approved an amendment known as “Sarah’s Law,” which requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants responsible for death or bodily injury. This amendment passed with a vote of 75-24, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for enhanced detention measures.

Concerns and Criticisms

Despite its bipartisan passage, the Laken Riley Act has faced criticism from some lawmakers and immigration advocates. Opponents argue that the bill’s criteria for detention are too broad and could affect illegal immigrants who have been arrested but not yet convicted of crimes. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) raised concerns about the potential impact on minors, stating, “In this bill, every undocumented person accused, not just convicted but accused, of a list of crimes that’s in this bill must be detained. I assume no one here really thinks that mandatorily-incarcerated children accused of non-violent crimes is the best, most strategic way to fix our immigration system.”

Implementation Costs and Next Steps

The potential cost of implementing the Laken Riley Act has also been a point of contention. Sen. Michael Bennet highlighted estimates ranging from $3 billion to $27 billion annually for full implementation. This significant financial burden has raised questions about the feasibility and long-term sustainability of the Act’s provisions.

Before the bill can be sent to President Trump for signature, the House must approve the Senate’s amendments. The legislation’s prioritization aligns with the administration’s focus on immigration law enforcement, and its passage could have significant implications for the ongoing national debate on immigration policy and border security.

As the Laken Riley Act moves closer to becoming law, it remains a focal point in the broader discussion on immigration reform, balancing public safety concerns with the complexities of enforcing immigration laws in a fair and effective manner.

Sources:

  1. Laken Riley Act set to become one of first bills to hit President Trump’s desk
  2. Senate approves Laken Riley Act, sending immigration measure back to House
  3. Senate Passes Laken Riley Act, First Bill Approved by New Congress