The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to pass the Laken Riley Act, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at expanding pre-trial detention for undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. The bill is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan man who was wanted for shoplifting.
The Act, which marks the first legislation introduced by the new Republican-controlled Congress, passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 264 to 159, with 48 Democrats voting in favor. It now moves to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain due to potential Democratic opposition.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson highlighted the legislation as a cornerstone of the GOP’s broader agenda to strengthen border security and combat illegal immigration, a key promise of former President Donald Trump during his re-election campaign.
“As promised, we’re starting today with border security,” Johnson stated before the vote. “The Laken Riley Act is a direct response to the disaster we’ve seen over the last four years under the current administration.”
The Act allows for the mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants charged with specific crimes, including theft, until their cases are resolved. It has drawn praise from conservatives as a step toward restoring “law and order” while also receiving criticism for its perceived overreach.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark accused Republicans of exploiting a tragic incident for political gain. “This bill expands detention without increasing funding for resources, which could overwhelm an already strained system,” Clark’s office said in a statement.
Despite the opposition, the bill has garnered some bipartisan support, including from centrist Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who co-sponsored the Senate version.
The Republican-controlled Senate is expected to vote on the bill as early as Friday. With a slim majority, Republicans will need at least eight Democratic votes to overcome procedural hurdles, setting the stage for a contentious debate.
President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, has strongly backed the legislation, frequently referencing Laken Riley’s case during his campaign. Trump has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration, promising mass deportations and tougher border policies.
“This bill ensures criminal illegal aliens are swiftly and permanently removed from our communities,” said Republican House Whip Tom Emmer. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will restore the rule of law and put Americans first again.”
Critics argue that the Act may exacerbate detention facility overcrowding and raise concerns about due process rights for undocumented individuals. Proponents, however, see it as a necessary measure to address public safety and border security challenges.
The legislation is poised to become a key flashpoint in the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy.
