Overview

• Rep. Jahana Hayes publicly expressed regret over her vote for the Laken Riley Act during a CNN town hall, citing evolving concerns about its implications.
• The Laken Riley Act, signed into law in January 2025, mandates detention without bail for noncitizens accused of certain crimes, even if charges are later dropped.
• Hayes originally supported the legislation due to a specific provision related to crimes causing injury or death to police officers but has since reassessed her position.
• Critics, including Hayes, have raised concerns about the law's impact on due process and the uncertainty it creates for legal immigrants abiding by U.S. laws.
• The bipartisan law continues to divide lawmakers, with some defending its focus on crime enforcement while others call for reevaluation of its broader consequences.