Congress Sends ‘Laken Riley’ Act To Trump In First Major Legislative Win

Congress Sends ‘Laken Riley’ Act To Trump In First Major Legislative Win

The GOP-led Congress has passed its first significant piece of legislation targeting illegal immigration, receiving some support from Democrats. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval.

On Wednesday, lawmakers approved the “Laken Riley Act,” named after a University of Georgia nursing student tragically murdered last year, allegedly by a Venezuelan migrant in the U.S. illegally.

“The House of Representatives passed the bill in a 263 to 156 vote on Wednesday, marking the second time this month the chamber advanced the legislation,” Fox News reported. “It passed the House 264 to 159 on Jan. 7. All Republicans supported the bill, along with 48 Democrats—two more than in the most recent vote.”

The Republican-majority Senate also passed the measure with bipartisan support, voting 64 to 35. Provisions in the Senate version include deporting illegal immigrants who assault law enforcement officers or cause death or severe injury to others, Fox noted.

The initial bill tasks Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with detaining illegal immigrants accused of theft-related offenses. It also allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for damages inflicted on citizens due to illegal immigration.

Many Democrats opposed the legislation, citing concerns that deporting individuals accused—but not convicted—of crimes could set a dangerous precedent. However, proponents argue that anyone living in the country illegally has already violated U.S. law.

Interestingly, the bill saw increased support from Democrats in its latest House vote compared to its initial passage in early 2024. This shift contrasts with last year, when the Democrat-controlled Senate declined to even consider the measure.

“Nothing ever happens in this town up here until the American people demand it,” said Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., the bill’s sponsor, during an interview with Fox News Digital.

“And they have been screaming at the top of their lungs for something to happen to fix the border problem,” he added.

Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, who introduced Sarah’s Law as an amendment to the bill, also shared his thoughts. “Nearly a decade ago, 21-year-old Sarah Root’s life was tragically cut short when she was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk. Sarah’s Law not only delivered justice for the Root family but also ensures that any illegal immigrant who harms or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and prosecuted,” Feenstra told Fox News Digital.

Republicans are actively working to fulfill Trump’s promises to tackle illegal immigration and bolster border security, emphasizing the Laken Riley Act as a cornerstone achievement. They aim to turn Trump’s policy priorities into enduring law.

Jose Ibarra, recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Laken Riley, had prior arrests but was not detained by ICE during the Biden-Harris administration.

The Trump administration also plans to challenge “sanctuary city” policies by potentially prosecuting state and municipal officials who resist federal immigration enforcement. According to a Justice Department memo obtained by CNN, the administration is taking steps to ensure compliance with federal immigration law.

The memo, authored by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, directs federal prosecutors to investigate cases of noncompliance by state and local authorities and refer them to the Justice Department for potential prosecution.

“Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests,” the document states. “The U.S. Attorney’s Offices and litigating components of the Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution.”

The directive underscores the Trump administration’s focus on crafting policies designed to withstand legal scrutiny, according to CNN.


Subscribe to Lib Fails

Don’t miss out on the latest issues. Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
jamie@example.com
Subscribe