The US Senate passes a bill requiring the detention and deportation of illegals accused of theft and assault

The U.S. Senate passed the Laken Riley Act, which would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft, burglary, or larceny. The bill also authorizes state attorneys general to hold federal officials accountable for failing to enforce immigration laws, giving states the right to sue the federal government for failing to comply with those laws. If passed, these laws aim to address gaps in law enforcement by ensuring that those committing serious crimes are promptly detained and deported.

The bill, passed by a 64-35 vote, was named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in Athens, Georgia. The bill includes provisions introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) requiring the detention of people accused of crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. An amendment by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) adds a detention requirement for people who assault law enforcement officers.

The bill was reintroduced earlier this month by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Majority Leader John Thune ( R-AL). SD). It aims to address systemic failures that allowed Riley’s killer – an illegal immigrant with a prior theft conviction who violated the terms of his immigration parole – to remain in the United States.

ICE data underscores the urgency of enacting such legislation, revealing that as of July 2024, there were nearly 650,000 criminal illegal immigrants on non-detained records, including approximately 15,000 charged with or convicted of murder, more than 20,000 for assault sexual assault and over 105,000.

The bill authorizes state attorneys general to act when federal authorities fail to enforce immigration laws, giving states standing to sue the federal government for damages in excess of $100 caused by failure to comply. Supporters of the bill argue that the provision will ensure accountability and prioritize public safety.

Laken Riley’s bill previously passed the House of Representatives by a 264-159 vote and now returns to the House for further consideration of Senate amendments. Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that it provides necessary immigration enforcement tools while protecting American communities from people who pose a serious threat.

“Every crime committed by illegal immigrants is preventable because they shouldn’t be here in the first place,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer. “This legislation gives immigration authorities the tools they need to detain and deport people who break our laws, ensuring atrocities like Laken Riley’s murder do not happen again.”

Co-sponsor Sen. James Moylan (R-Guam) called the legislation “a step in the right direction” to eliminate disparities in immigration enforcement and protect U.S. residents.