WASHINGTON — In a significant development in U.S. immigration policy, several Senate Democrats from swing states have teamed up with Republicans to push the Laken Riley Act forward. This bill aims to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain noncitizens who commit certain crimes, such as theft or assault on law enforcement officers.
This move comes after a challenging election season for Democrats, who saw significant losses, including the White House and Senate. Democrats from key swing states argue that it’s time for the party to address immigration more seriously, given the concerns of their voters.
The Senate recently voted 61-35 in favor of advancing the bill, passing the 60-vote threshold needed to break the filibuster. The bill is set to pass in the Senate next Monday, requiring just a majority vote. Once passed, it will head back to the House before reaching President-elect Donald Trump’s desk for signing.
What’s In the Bill?
The bill would target noncitizens in the U.S. illegally who have been charged or convicted of certain crimes, like burglary, theft, shoplifting, and assaulting law enforcement officers. The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant in Georgia in February 2024. This bill has been pushed by House Republicans since last year, but it didn’t gain traction until now.
ICE is already responsible for detaining noncitizens with final removal orders or those charged with crimes. However, under the Biden administration, ICE has been focused on noncitizens with more serious criminal records or national security threats. With a budget of $9 billion and just 6,000 enforcement officers, ICE is struggling to manage its workload, which includes over 7 million noncitizens, 662,000 of whom have criminal convictions or charges.
But here’s the catch — ICE’s detention capacity is limited. With only 41,500 beds available nationwide, experts say the agency would need major budget increases to handle this expanded task. The Laken Riley Act doesn’t address this issue, meaning its provisions could be harder to implement without additional funding.
Why Is It Controversial?
Immigrant rights groups have raised concerns about the bill. They argue that it would force ICE to detain a large number of noncitizens based on mere allegations, without giving them a chance for a bond hearing or individualized assessments by judges. Groups like the ACLU believe the bill takes away important discretion from immigration officers and judges who assess whether someone is a risk to the community.
Who Supported the Bill?
The bill saw support from several Democratic Senators from swing states, including Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Jon Ossoff (Georgia), and Mark Kelly (Arizona), alongside Republicans. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona pointed out that the bill was needed to address the ongoing border crisis and prevent tragedies like the one that led to Laken Riley’s death.
The Bigger Picture
Some believe the bill might be a sign that immigration is becoming a bigger issue in U.S. politics, especially after Democrats’ disappointing election results. Senator Jon Fetterman expressed frustration about the lack of progress on immigration, stating that immigration reform may have played a role in the election results.
How Much Will It Cost?
The bill’s price tag is steep. Senator Patty Murray estimates it could cost up to $83 billion over the next three years—more than the annual budget of Homeland Security. Other experts warn that this could result in skyrocketing costs if implemented, with some predicting it could cost up to $88 billion to deport 1 million people a year.
What’s Next?
The bill is still in the early stages, but it could have significant implications for U.S. immigration policy. Supporters argue it will make the country safer, while critics fear it could lead to mass detentions without due process. Whether it becomes law or not, this issue is likely to remain a hot topic in the months to come.
What do you think about the Laken Riley Act? Let us know in the comments!
