The Senate Will Have a Chance to Start Fixing the Illegal Immigration Crisis

The Laken Riley Act is a Commonsense Proposal to Crack Down on Criminal Illegal Aliens and Make Communities Safer

THE BIPARTISAN BILL REQUIRES THE DETAINMENT OF ILLEGAL ALIENS WHO COMMIT THEFT-RELATED CRIMES AND HOLDS LAWLESS FEDERAL OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE

“The American people did not just deliver a mandate on November 5th, they delivered a verdict. They made it clear they want to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect American families. We will soon know whether Democrats hear, respect, and obey that verdict.” – Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.)

“What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen. As we turn the page from the disastrous open-border policies of Joe Biden, the Laken Riley Act will empower the Trump administration to enforce our laws, keep our nation secure, and prevent tragedies.” – Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.)

Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was murdered by illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra in February 2024. Ibarra had previously been arrested twice, but was released before a detainer was issued. (New York Post: Promising nursing student, 22, found dead on campus with ‘visible injuries’ after going for a run — as suspect is taken into custody – 2/23/24; CNN: Laken Riley’s killer sentenced to life in prison after heart-wrenching pleas from her family – 11/20/24; WRDW: Laken Riley murder suspect had prior criminal background, illegally entered US in 2022 – 2/25/24)

“The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and would mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. This legislation would also ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.” (Sen. Britt Press Release: U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Budd, John Thune, John Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Laken Riley Act In 119th Congress – 1/7/25)

According to data provided by ICE, as of July 2024, there were over 662,000 illegal immigrants on ICE’s national docket who are either convicted criminals or are facing pending criminal charges. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Letter to Rep. Tony Gonzales – 9/27/24; National Review: ICE Drops a Bombshell –9/30/24)

Last year, 26 state attorneys general called on the Senate to pass the Laken Riley Act, citing the provision that gives states the ability to sue federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration laws. (Georgia A.G. Press Release: Carr Leads Multistate Effort Calling on U.S. Senate to Pass Laken Riley Act – 3/13/24)

SENATE DEMOCRATS ACKNOWLEDGED THEY BOTCHED THE BORDER CRISIS

“We destroyed ourselves on the immigration issue in ways that were entirely predictable and entirely manageable. We utterly mismanaged that issue, including our Democratic caucus here. That’s political malpractice. That’s not someone else’s fault.” – Anonymous Senate Democrat to The Hill
On Biden ending “Remain in Mexico,” halting border wall construction, and implementing a 100-day moratorium on deportations: “Why would you do that? Who are you trying to play to? What’s the benefit to that?” – Second Anonymous Senate Democrat to The Hill
“Democrats know that the situation at the border is unacceptable. We know that the status quo cannot continue. But Democrats also know that fixing the border requires bipartisan legislation from Congress.” – Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
“Most people agree the status quo cannot continue. Our southern border is in desperate need of more resources, and our immigration system is in serious need of repair.” – Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
“We cannot ignore the reality of the numbers and where they’re coming from… We didn’t design the border policies for the volume of this nature. And we have to find a way, as painful as it may be, to bring some order.” – Democrat Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
“Immigration policy can be a strength, not a liability, for Democrats.” – Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
“We Democrats have to do something about the border. I think it’s a real issue. The situation at the border is a lot different than it was 10 or 15 years ago. And maintaining the same kind of policy is not a sustainable position, in my view.” – Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

THE LAKEN RILEY ACT PASSED THE HOUSE WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT TWICE NOW. WILL SENATE DEMOCRATS ULTIMATELY BLOCK ITS PASSAGE AGAIN LIKE THEY DID LAST YEAR?

On March 7, 2024, the House passed the Laken Riley Act, with 37 House Democrats joining 214 Republicans in supporting its passage. (H.R. 7511: Roll Call Vote #66 – 3/7/24)

Every Senate Democrat in the 118th Congress voted against consideration of the Laken Riley Act. (H.R. 2882: Roll Call Vote #113 – 3/23/24)

On January 7, 2025, the House passed the Laken Riley Act, with 48 House Democrats joining 216 Republicans in supporting its passage. (H.R. 29: Roll Call Vote #6 – 1/7/25)