House Passes Laken Riley Act With Cross-Party Backing

The House passes the Laken Riley Act, targeting nonviolent undocumented immigrants for deportation, as Democrats joined Republicans in supporting stricter immigration measures.

At a Glance

The Laken Riley Act passed the House with bipartisan support, 264-159.
48 House Democrats voted in favor of the bill, signaling a shift in Democratic views on immigration.
The Act allows deportation of undocumented immigrants arrested for nonviolent crimes, without requiring conviction.
Senator John Fetterman became the first Senate Democrat to cosponsor the bill.
The bill now moves to the GOP-led Senate, needing 60 votes to pass.

Bipartisan Support Grows for Stricter Immigration Measures

The Laken Riley Act, named after a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, has gained significant traction in Congress. The bill, which targets nonviolent undocumented immigrants for deportation, passed the House with a 264-159 vote, marking a notable shift in Democratic views on immigration policy. All Republicans and 48 Democrats supported the measure, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over border security.

The Act’s passage in the House signals a changing landscape in immigration politics. As border concerns intensify, even traditionally liberal Democrats are aligning more closely with Republican stances on illegal immigration. This shift is particularly evident in swing districts, where voter apprehension about border control is influencing political decisions.

U.S. House PASSES Laken Riley Act, 264-159.

Goes now to the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/qXkTvekj8Q

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 7, 2025

Key Provisions of the Laken Riley Act

The Laken Riley Act introduces several stringent measures aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. It requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain migrants charged with theft and various other crimes, even if they haven’t been convicted. Furthermore, the bill empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government for immigration-related harm, potentially increasing pressure on the Department of Homeland Security to enforce stricter policies.

“We’re going to detain and deport illegal aliens who commit burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, certainly vicious and violent crimes, and I can’t believe anybody would be opposed to that” – House Speaker Mike Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the bill as a significant step in border security, framing it as a crucial measure to protect American citizens. The Act’s provisions allow for the deportation of undocumented immigrants based on arrest alone, without requiring a conviction or formal charges, a point that has sparked considerable debate.

Democratic Support and Opposition

The 48 House Democrats who voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act represent a noteworthy shift in the party’s approach to immigration. This support comes despite criticism from some party members who view the bill as a political maneuver by Republicans. The changing stance is particularly evident in border states and swing districts, where immigration is a top concern for voters.

However, opposition remains strong among many Democrats. 159 House Democrats voted against the bill, arguing that it could lead to unjust detentions and negatively impact DACA recipients. Critics, like Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), contend that the Act is an attempt by Republicans to politicize a tragedy rather than implement effective immigration reform.

The Road Ahead in the Senate

As the Laken Riley Act moves to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain. The bill needs 60 votes to overcome a potential filibuster, requiring significant bipartisan support. Senator John Fetterman’s decision to cosponsor the bill marks a notable development, potentially influencing other Democrats to follow suit. With Republicans aiming to prioritize border security, the Act’s progression through the Senate will be a critical test of the changing dynamics in immigration policy.

“Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people” – Sen. John Fetterman

The Laken Riley Act represents a significant shift in the immigration debate, with implications that extend beyond party lines. As it progresses through Congress, it will likely continue to spark intense discussions about border security, due process, and the balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns in U.S. immigration policy.