ICE detention statistics released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

House Passes Laken Riley Act 264-159, Grants ICE Authority to Detain Immigrants Accused of Theft

Jan 8, 2025, 11:48 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act on Tuesday with a vote of 264-159, marking it as the first piece of legislation in the 119th Congress. Named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student killed by Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela in February 2024, the bill aims to enhance border security by granting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft. Ibarra was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in November 2024. The legislation received bipartisan support, with 48 Democrats joining all Republicans in favor. The bill is now set to be considered by the Senate, where it is expected to face a procedural vote requiring 60 votes to proceed. Several Democratic senators, including John Fetterman, Mark Kelly, and Ruben Gallego, have expressed support for the bill, potentially providing the necessary votes to overcome a filibuster. The Laken Riley Act has sparked debate, with some critics arguing it could lead to racial profiling and the detention of non-violent offenders, while supporters see it as a necessary measure to enhance public safety and prevent tragedies like Riley's.