The House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act, a contentious bill aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants arrested for nonviolent crimes, without requiring formal charges or convictions.
At a Glance
- The Laken Riley Act passed the House with a 264-159 majority, including support from 48 Democrats.
- The bill allows for deportation of undocumented immigrants arrested for nonviolent crimes, without requiring charges or convictions.
- Named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant.
- The Act now moves to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to pass.
- Senator John Fetterman became the first Senate Democrat to cosponsor the bill.
Bipartisan Support and Political Implications
The Laken Riley Act has cleared the House with significant bipartisan support, marking a potential shift in the political landscape surrounding immigration policy. With unanimous Republican backing and the support of 48 Democrats, the bill’s passage signals a growing consensus on stricter border control measures.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “As promised, we’re starting today with border security.” The bill’s focus on deporting undocumented immigrants arrested for nonviolent crimes has struck a chord with many lawmakers across party lines.
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 and Controversy
The Laken Riley Act includes several provisions that have sparked debate. It requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain migrants charged with theft and other crimes, and allows states to sue the federal government for immigration-related harm. Importantly, the bill permits targeting for deportation based on arrest alone, without requiring a conviction or formal charges.
“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
Critics argue that this approach could lead to unjust deportations and potentially affect DACA recipients. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) voiced opposition, claiming, “House Republicans are once again attempting to use a horrible tragedy for political gain.”
Senate Prospects and Democratic Support
As the bill moves to the Senate, its prospects for passage have been bolstered by unexpected Democratic support. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) became the first Senate Democrat to cosponsor the bill, stating, “Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people.” This move could potentially influence other Democrats to cross party lines.
The bill’s progress in the Senate will be closely watched, as it requires 60 votes to overcome a potential filibuster. With some Democrats signaling support, the likelihood of the Laken Riley Act becoming law has increased significantly.
Implications for Immigration Policy
The Laken Riley Act represents a significant shift in immigration policy, potentially paving the way for more stringent enforcement measures. If passed, it could lead to increased deportations and reshape the legal landscape for undocumented immigrants in the United States.
As the debate continues, both supporters and critics of the bill acknowledge its far-reaching implications. The Act’s progress through Congress reflects a broader national conversation on border security and immigration reform, likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse in the coming months.
Sources:
- Laken Riley Act gains steam — with Democrats
- Democrats slammed after 159 vote against Republican bill allowing ICE to deport illegal migrants who steal
- House passes Laken Riley Act, approving immigration measure in first bill of new Congress
- The 48 Democrats Who Voted to Deport Nonviolent Undocumented Offenders
