Senate Advances Controversial Immigration Bill with Bipartisan Support

The Laken Riley Act, criticized for its harsh measures and potential constitutional issues, moves closer to becoming law as Democrats join Republicans in backing it.

The Laken Riley Act, named after a murder victim, mandates detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for minor crimes, even without a conviction.
The bill passed the House with unanimous Republican and significant Democratic support and cleared a key Senate vote with 84 senators in favor.
Critics argue the law undermines due process, disproportionately harms asylum-seekers, and benefits private prison companies without improving public safety.
The legislation empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government over immigration policies, raising concerns about a conservative power grab.
Immigrant advocacy groups and some Democrats warn that the law plays into anti-immigrant rhetoric and could pave the way for more extreme measures under the Trump administration.