Senate Advances Laken Riley Act 61-35, Set for Final Vote Post-Inauguration to Crack Down on Illegal Immigration

Jan 17, 2025, 04:21 PM

The U.S. Senate has advanced the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration, by a vote of 61-35, clearing a key procedural hurdle. The legislation, named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, requires federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes. It also empowers states to challenge federal immigration policies. The bill is set for a final Senate vote on Monday, following President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, and will then need to return to the House for approval due to amendments made in the Senate, including one from Sen. John Cornyn expanding the list of offenses to include assault of a law enforcement officer. Ten Democratic senators joined Republicans to advance the bill, signaling a shift in Democratic stance on immigration following recent election losses. The legislation has been a priority for Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Katie Britt and supported by Sen. John Thune, who see it as a potential first legislative victory for Trump in his second term. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the bill but expressed willingness to work on immigration reform.