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3mo ago

Senate Advances Laken Riley Act Targeting Undocumented Immigrants Accused of Crimes

The bill, which has bipartisan support, has raised concerns over due process and protections for vulnerable groups as it moves toward final passage.

Overview

  • The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes or assaulting law enforcement officers, bypassing the need for a conviction.
  • The bill cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate with a 61-35 vote, including support from 10 Democrats, and is expected to pass on Monday before heading to President-elect Donald Trump for signing.
  • Advocates for domestic violence and trafficking survivors warn the bill could harm victims by enabling abusers to use deportation threats and false accusations as tools of control.
  • The legislation has been criticized for its potential to overburden ICE, with implementation costs estimated at up to $83 billion over three years, far exceeding current agency resources.
  • Immigration rights groups and legal experts argue the bill undermines due process rights and could lead to wrongful detentions, with critics labeling it a politically motivated response to Trump’s campaign promises.