President Donald J. Trump is expected to sign the Laken Riley Act on Wednesday. This will mark the first legislation that Trump signs into law in his second term. Crafted by the GOP-led House, the bill aims to strengthen measures against illegal migrants who have committed crimes.
The proposed law mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of theft-related offenses. This legislation comes in response to the February 2024 murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. The incident involved an illegal migrant who was at large despite previously being arrested for shoplifting, sparking calls for tougher immigration enforcement.
In addition to detention requirements, the act permits states to sue the DHS for lapses in immigration enforcement. The aim is to increase accountability and ensure stricter compliance with immigration laws.
The Laken Riley Act garnered bipartisan support in the House before proceeding to the Senate, although many Democrats voted against it. It passed the Senate with similar bipartisan backing, with Democrat dissenters, although some modifications were made, necessitating its return to the House for approval.
Once the bill reaches President Trump for signing, it will represent a significant step forward in his administration’s ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and migrant crime.