House Passes Immigration Bill Targeting Undocumented Immigrants Charged with Minor Crimes

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WASHINGTON: The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Laken Riley Act on Tuesday, signaling the Republican majority’s intent to fulfill President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promise of tougher immigration policies. The bill, named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed last year in Georgia by an undocumented immigrant, seeks to expand federal authority to detain and deport migrants charged with theft-related crimes.

The legislation passed with bipartisan support in a 264-159 vote, with 48 Democrats joining all voting Republicans. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate, where a vote is expected later this week.

The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain undocumented immigrants charged with crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, or larceny. It also empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government if its immigration enforcement failures lead to harm to their states or residents.

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“This is about protecting Americans and restoring common-sense values,” said Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.), the bill’s author. “We cannot allow criminal immigrants to roam freely while our communities suffer.”

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have framed the legislation as a response to voter concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement.

“Today’s vote is a clear message that Republicans will act to protect Americans from the failures of the past,” Johnson said. “The Laken Riley Act is just the beginning of our efforts to secure the border and uphold the rule of law.”

Democrats, while expressing sympathy for Riley’s family, criticized the bill as a superficial and partisan approach to addressing systemic issues in U.S. immigration. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) condemned the measure as ineffective and overly broad.

“The murder of Laken Riley was a heinous crime, but this legislation does nothing to fix our broken immigration system or prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Raskin said during the debate.

Some Democrats also raised concerns about due process, arguing that the bill could lead to wrongful detentions. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) warned, “Innocent people could be swept into detention under this vague and overreaching measure.”

Challenges in the Senate
The bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it will need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. While Republicans hold a 53-seat majority, at least seven Democrats would need to join for the legislation to advance. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), a co-sponsor, expressed support, stating, “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement measures while we work toward comprehensive reform.”

Other Senate Democrats have signaled skepticism, with some questioning the constitutionality of allowing states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement. Critics argue the provision could lead to legal challenges and conflicts over federal authority.

Broader Context and Next Steps
The passage of the Laken Riley Act reflects a broader Republican strategy to push aggressive immigration policies under the incoming Trump administration. Other proposed measures include increased deportations, restrictions on asylum seekers, and penalties for so-called “sanctuary cities.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Republican leaders remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who reintroduced the legislation in the Senate, stated, “We have a duty to act swiftly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

With the Senate vote looming, the Laken Riley Act has become a flashpoint in the larger debate over immigration, public safety, and federal-state authority, setting the stage for contentious battles in the weeks to come.

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