Senate Approves Bill on Migrant Detention Following Trump’s Swearing-In
The US Senate recently gave its nod to a significant piece of legislation requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related activities. This bill, known as the Laken Riley Act, saw its passage shortly after Donald Trump assumed the presidency, capturing the Senate’s attention as its first legislative action of the new session.
Receiving a considerable majority, the vote ended with 64 in favor and 35 against, witnessing a shift where a dozen Democrats sided with Republicans to support this legislation. Named in memory of a young Georgian nursing student tragically killed by a Venezuelan national last year, the bill’s next destination is the House of Representatives. The House is expected to approve the slightly varied version they passed earlier this month, potentially putting the bill on the president’s table soon after for ratification, marking a legislative win for Trump early into his new term.
This proposed legislation mandates the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to apprehend undocumented individuals found guilty of crimes like burglary, theft, or shoplifting. Moreover, it provides a legal pathway for state attorneys general to challenge the federal government in court if they perceive that the enforcement of immigration laws negatively affects their states.
This development has raised eyebrows among immigrant advocates and experts concerned about possible violations of due process rights and the undermining of federal immigration enforcement powers. While progressives criticized the Democrats who facilitated what they consider a premature triumph for Trump, others echoed these sentiments.
Sarah Dohl, from the progressive organization Indivisible, criticized the senators harshly, expressing: “This is a spineless act, gifting Republicans a triumph they didn’t merit. The Laken Riley Act infringes on constitutional rights and caters to extremists by reshaping immigration policy.” She further labeled the bill as “chaotic and in bad faith,” expressing disappointment with Senate Democrats for yielding to pressure.
This legislative move indicates a noticeable shift in strategy for Democrats, contrasting with their tough stance during Trump’s first term when they opposed his immigration policies vigorously. Following electoral setbacks in 2024, certain factions within the Party have veered to the right on immigration, acknowledging its critical role in Trump’s campaign and its prominence in voter priorities.
Symbolizing this ideological shift, the House saw 48 Democrats endorsing the Laken Riley Act earlier this month during its initial voting phase. The version passed by Senate is anticipated to garner similar backing from House Democrats, which likely assures its final approval.
Should Trump approve the Laken Riley Act, it would merely be a segment of his expansive anti-immigration blueprint initiated soon after his presidential oath-taking. Among his numerous efforts are declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, notwithstanding a decline in illegal crossings to the lowest in five years, and his contentious move to end birthright citizenship, a move scrutinized and legally challenged by civil rights factions on constitutional grounds.
Additionally, the Trump administration has curtailed the CBP One application, ceasing its function for migrants scheduling entry appointments at ports of entry along the southwest border, effective January 20, 2025. This abrupt cancellation, annulling numerous appointments, has caused distress among migrants, as observed by reporters in locations such as Ciudad Juárez, across from El Paso, Texas.
