The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed legislation advancing the Laken-Riley Act, which would require federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants who commit theft-related crimes in the United States. The bill would also allow states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harming their residents. About illegal immigration.
Only nine Democrats chose not to support an adjournment vote on the motion. Democrats are now trying to force a vote on an amendment to the bill that would exempt Dreamers from forced detention. The nine Democrats and one independent who voted against the motion include New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Hawaii Sen. Maisie Hirono, New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim, and Massachusetts Sen. Congressman Ed Markey, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon. .
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Republican Alabama Sen. Katie Britt.
Today, on the eve of Laken Riley’s 23rd birthday, let’s honor her legacy and advance bipartisan legislation that will save American lives. pic.twitter.com/rOHKFLGUlk
— Sen. Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 9, 2025
The bill passed the House on Tuesday by a vote of 264-159, with all Republicans voting in favor. In the end, 48 Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while 159 House Democrats voted against it. The six previous Democratic members of the House of Representatives are opposed Last Congress’ bill changed their minds and flipped their votes. (Related: After election, 6 Democrats reverse votes to support Laken-Riley law)
Jose Antonio Ybarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, was convicted in November of killing 22-year-old Riley. He was arrested by University of Georgia Police.
Senate Republicans ultimately expect formal passage in the Senate next week.
“I think it has to pass. Several Democrats have voted for shutdown, and if any of them want to filibuster, we’re happy to put them on the Senate floor and “We will let the people explain why an illegal criminal should be allowed to stay in America until he rapes or murders someone’s daughter,” a senior Senate aide told the Daily Caller.
