Official statements and policy documents from the Democratic Party

Laken Riley Act Opposed for Expanding Detention, Threatening Civil Rights and Costing $83 Billion

Jan 22, 2025, 08:06 PM

The Laken Riley Act, recently passed by the Senate, has sparked significant opposition from several Democratic senators and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Critics argue that the bill, which expands mandatory detention for immigrants accused of crimes, including minor offenses, will lead to the establishment of private prison camps and undermine civil rights. Senator Alex Padilla highlighted the potential for the act to require the detention of immigrant children for minor offenses, diverting resources from the detention of violent criminals. Senators Patty Murray, Tammy Duckworth, and John Hickenlooper voted against the bill, citing its extreme nature and potential to hinder any president's ability to address immigration issues. Ocasio-Cortez warned that the act could lead to the mass detention of individuals accused of crimes without due process, benefiting private prison companies and potentially costing $83 billion over three years.