WASHINGTON – On the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Monday that would expand mass detention of immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes.
In a 64-35 vote, 12 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill. p. 5known as the Laken Riley Act, returned to the House of Representatives for final passage due to two amendments approved by senators.
One the change Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn would add assault on a police officer as a felony requiring mandatory incarceration.
Another the changeby Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, would also impose mandatory detention requirements for “any offense that results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.”
If the measure passes the House, it will likely be one of the first bills signed by Trump, an early victory after he promised mass deportations of immigrants in the country without proper legal authorization during the presidential campaign.
Trump is expected to sign ten executive orders to launch his crackdown on immigration at the southern border.
The bill is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and was previously charged with shoplifting.
The measure would not only significantly expand the detention of immigrants arrested or charged with the crimes listed in the measure, but would also give state attorneys general broad discretion to challenge federal immigration policy if it becomes law.
Immigration lawyers and experts have warned The measure could have far-reaching consequences, such as the rapid detention and deportation of some migrants – including children and youthful people.
They also argue that the bill would not only affect undocumented people, but would also entrap some immigrants with legal status and have the potential to affect the issuance of visas internationally.
Last updated on January 20, 2025 at 6:42 p.m
