Senate Advances Laken Riley Act, Alters Immigration Enforcement

The Laken Riley Act, which would mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, is advancing through Congress with expected final passage shortly after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The legislation, named after a murder victim, aims to strengthen immigration enforcement but has faced significant criticism from advocacy groups who warn it could lead to wrongful deportations, particularly affecting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Despite bipartisan support, many Democrats expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of amendments to protect vulnerable populations, with 22 party members pledging to vote against the bill if their proposed changes were not included. Key provisions of the bill allow states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement, raising concerns about potential frivolous lawsuits. The Senate has previously voted to advance the bill, which is anticipated to secure enough votes for final approval next week. The divisive nature of the legislation highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policy in the U.S.