WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted Friday to advance a bill that would require expanding mass detention of immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes, making it one of the first measures signed by future President-elect Donald Trump.
In 61-35 procedural votesTen Senate Democrats joined all Republicans to limit debate on the issue P. 5known as the Laken Riley Law, named after a 22-year-old nursing student murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and had previously been charged with shoplifting.
If the bill – already passed by the House – becomes law, it would be an early victory for Trump, who campaigned on his plans to implement tough immigration policies, including mass deportations, and has often blamed Riley’s death on the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
A final vote in the Senate is scheduled for Monday, after which the bill will be sent back to the House for cause amendment Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn, who would add assault on a law enforcement officer as requiring mandatory arrest. It was agreed that on A bipartisan 70-25 votes.
The Senate is also ready to vote on this matter another fix Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst’s proposal on Monday would also include mandatory detention requirements for “any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”
One fix Filed by Democrats and brought to the floor by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, it would violate part of the bill that gives state attorneys general broad legal standing to challenge federal law as well as immigration judges’ bail decisions.
It was rejected in a party-line vote 46–49, but this is an amendment that mirrors an amendment introduced by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.
Schumer unhappy with lack of debate
Before the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would not vote for the measure, criticizing Senate Republicans for not allowing more votes on the amendments.
“We have told Republicans that we want to have a serious, productive and fruitful debate on this legislation with a chance to vote on amendments to the bill,” the New York Democrat said. “Unfortunately, unless further changes are made to address the bill’s shortcomings, I will be voting no.”
Lawyers and immigration experts have raised grave concerns with the bill. They argue that it would not only affect undocumented people, but would ensnare some immigrants with legal status, lead to the detention of children and force the U.S. Department of State to stop issuing visas to a country that does not admit citizens eligible for deportation.
Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement estimated the enforcement cost to be $26.9 billion in its first year. according to NPR. ICE’s budget for fiscal year 2024 is approximately $9 billion.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said before the vote that if ICE is unable to enforce the law, “the answer is to provide those resources.”
The South Dakota Republican added that Senate Republicans did
“We are currently working on a bill that would provide ICE with additional agents and additional detention capacity.”
Last updated: 10:28, January 18, 2025
