The U.S. Senate on Thursday cleared a significant hurdle for the Laken Riley Act, passing a filibuster with an overwhelming 84-9 vote. Named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in 2024, the bill compels Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport non-citizens charged with theft-related offenses. While the legislation has been a priority for Republicans, it unexpectedly garnered support from several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Details of the Laken Riley Act
The Laken Riley Act requires ICE to take into custody illegal immigrants who are charged with, arrested for, or admit to acts constituting burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Advocates of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to prevent further tragedies similar to Riley’s murder. Critics, however, express concerns over the implications for civil liberties and potential racial profiling.
The bill’s journey through Congress has been marked by bipartisan support. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) co-sponsored the legislation, signaling a shift in some Democratic stances on immigration enforcement. Despite this, nine Democrats, including high-profile names like Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, stood against the bill, citing fears of a broader, harsher immigration policy.
Legislative Momentum
The House had previously passed the Laken Riley Act earlier in the week, with 48 Democrats joining Republicans in a 264-159 vote. The Senate’s action now paves the way for a full floor debate, where amendments could be proposed. However, with the current support, the bill seems poised for final passage unless significant changes are made.
Reactions from Others
Public reactions have been mixed. Some commend the bipartisan effort, viewing it as a step towards addressing security concerns at the border. Others express apprehension about the bill’s potential to lead to increased racial profiling and its impact on immigrant communities. There’s a consensus among many that this legislation reflects the public’s call for stronger border policies, yet there’s also a notable concern about the civil rights implications of such stringent measures.
One individual expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need for law and order, while another criticized it for possibly targeting immigrants unfairly based on accusations rather than convictions. Another perspective highlighted the tragedy of Laken Riley’s death as a catalyst for necessary legal reforms, questioning why such measures were not already in place.
Next Steps
The Senate will now proceed to debate the bill, where amendments could potentially alter its current form. If passed, the Laken Riley Act would represent one of the first significant legislative actions of the new Congress, signaling a focus on immigration and border security under the incoming administration.
Bias Checker:
Rated center-right by NextGen AI.