President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking his first legislative action since taking office. The bipartisan bill mandates stricter detention rules for unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes like theft or violence. Here’s what you need to know:
Who Was Laken Riley?
Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student, was killed while jogging in February 2024. Jose Antonio Ibarra, an immigrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, was convicted of her murder. Republicans blamed Biden’s border policies for allowing Ibarra to remain in the U.S.
What Does the Laken Riley Act Do?
- Mandates detention of migrants charged with crimes like assault, theft, or homicide.
- Allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement failures.
- Applies to all unauthorized immigrants, including those with pending deportation orders.
Bipartisan Support & Opposition
- Supported by 46 House Democrats and 12 Senate Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
- Critics argue it strips due process rights and lacks funding (estimated $83 billion cost over 3 years).
- Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called it a “fundamental erosion of civil rights.”
Why Some Democrats Backed the Bill
Lawmakers in battleground states, including Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), cited constituent demands for stricter border security. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) stated it helps law enforcement act against criminal immigrants.
