Trump's First Legislative Victory: Congress Passes Laken Riley Act Including Sarah's Law

Jan 22, 2025, 10:08 PM

The U.S. Senate passed the Laken Riley Act with a 64-35 vote, sending the immigration-related bill to President Donald Trump's desk as the first legislation of his new term. The House of Representatives approved the amended bill with a 263-156 vote, with 46 Democrats supporting it and 156 opposing. The act mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related offenses, including burglary and shoplifting. The legislation includes Sarah's Law, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst, ensuring that illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens are detained and prosecuted. Sarah's Law is named after 21-year-old Iowan Sarah Root, who was killed nearly nine years ago by an illegal immigrant. The Laken Riley Act is named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant in 2023. Advocates say the bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that criminal illegal immigrants are detained and deported.