In a significant legislative development, Congress has expedited the passage of the Laken Riley Act to the desk of President Trump, fewer than three days into his second term.

The newly passed bill aims to enhance immigration enforcement by mandating the detention of undocumented immigrants who commit specific crimes, as the Daily Caller reports.

Originating in memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student who tragically lost her life at the hands of an undocumented individual in February 2024, the bill seeks to tighten controls and enforce consequences for criminal activities.

The House of Representatives approved the act with a bipartisan vote of 263-156. This outcome was significantly influenced by the support of 46 Democrat lawmakers.

Prior to this, the Senate had passed the bill with a vote of 64-35, with notable backing from Democrat lawmakers such as John Fetterman and Ruben Gallego.

Background of Laken Riley Act

The bill, being one of the early legislative priorities of the 119th Congress, reflects the heightened focus on immigration reforms by Republican leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune, championed its quick passage, marking it as a focal point for their legislative agenda.

Named after Laken Riley, the act aims to prevent similar tragedies to the one that befell her last year. The legislation mandates immigration authorities to detain undocumented migrants who are guilty of certain crimes, such as theft-related offenses or those involving significant harm or threats to public safety.

The legislation incorporates amendments introduced by Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Joni Ernst. These amendments expanded the list of crimes necessitating detention, ensuring a wider scope of enforcement.

Support, Opposition in Congress

Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Mike Collins, assert that such measures could have altered the tragic fate of Riley. Collins stated, “If the Laken Riley Act would have been law [...] she would still be alive with us today.”

Proponents emphasize the necessity of the act to ensure strict enforcement and repatriation of criminal undocumented immigrants to improve public safety. Rep. Byron Donalds articulated this on social media, highlighting the importance of arresting, detaining, and repatriating criminal elements without delay.

However, the legislation is not without its critics. Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced substantial concerns regarding the due process rights of undocumented individuals. She warned that accusations, such as minor theft, could lead to undue detention and deportation without a fair trial.

Failures in Previous Attempts at Passage

The journey to the bill’s current status was not straightforward. Initially, in March 2024, the bill failed in a Senate dominated by Democrats, reflecting the complexity and controversy surrounding immigration law reforms.

The current iteration of the bill reintroduced with modifications, managed to garner bipartisan support, illustrating a shift in political dynamics and priorities. The inclusion of amendments that enlarged the criteria for detention was a pivotal factor in securing wider acceptance.

If enacted, the act will allow state attorneys general to hold the federal administration accountable for lapses in enforcing immigration laws. This provision empowers states to take legal action against federal entities, should they fail to comply with the enforcement mandates of the law.

Awaiting Signature from President Trump

Despite its approval in both chambers of Congress, the future of the Laken Riley Act hinges on President Trump’s next move. The White House has yet to officially comment on whether the president will sign the bill into law, but it is expected that he will.

The act’s passage marks a significant moment, reflecting the complexities of balancing immigration enforcement with constitutional rights and due process. Its potential enactment could signal a shift in the U.S. approach to immigration policy and enforcement.

In the meantime, the broader implications of the legislation continue to stir debate. While supporters argue it addresses pressing security concerns, opponents caution against potential infringements on civil liberties.

The coming days will determine the trajectory of this contentious piece of legislation. President Trump’s decision will ultimately decide whether the Laken Riley Act becomes a pivotal element in the national immigration policy and law enforcement strategy.