House Passes Laken Riley Act on Immigrant Detention, Set for Trump's Signature

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Laken Riley Act, a new immigration detention law named after Laken Riley, a nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support and a vote of 263-156, requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain migrants charged with certain crimes, including theft and violent offenses. This act is expected to be the first law signed by President Donald Trump upon his return to the White House, reflecting a significant shift toward stricter immigration policies. Critics, including some Democrats, argue that it undermines due process by mandating detention for those merely accused of crimes rather than convicted. The bill's passage highlights divisions within the Democratic Party, with some members supporting the measure as a necessary step for public safety. It also raises concerns about the lack of new funding for enforcement, potentially making implementation challenging.