Laken Riley Act Passes House, Awaits Senate Vote

The Laken Riley Act, named after the 2024 murder victim Laken Riley, has gained bipartisan support in Congress, with the House passing it with 48 Democratic votes. The legislation mandates ICE to detain illegal immigrants involved in theft-related crimes and allows states to sue federal officials for not enforcing immigration laws. The bill's resurgence follows its failure to advance in the previous Congress, where it was blocked by Senate Democrats. Key proponents include Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and John Fetterman (D-PA), who emphasize the need for stricter immigration enforcement. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) views the vote as a critical test for Democrats' stance on border security post-2024 elections. The legislation is expected to face a vote in the Senate, where its passage seems likely given the current GOP control.