It’s no secret that illegal immigration has been a massive problem in the United States for several years now. During the previous presidential administration under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s leadership, illegal immigration got out of control with record numbers of migrants crossing the southern border.

It seemed like Biden and Harris wanted to do anything but solve the crisis at the southern border. This in turn led to a mass influx of illegal aliens that descended upon countless American cities and communities. As a result, crime rose in many of these places and the local economies were also harmed because jobs for legal citizens were being taken by illegal migrants who were fine with getting paid less.

But one particular circumstance involving an illegal alien sparked outrage across the country. That of course was the brutal k*lling of Laken Riley, a nursing student in Georgia who was attacked by José Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Ibarra was previously caught crossing the border illegally but was released back into the United States. He also was arrested in Georgia for theft before m*rdering Riley.

This incident brought even more attention to the dangers of letting people into the United States without vetting them and requiring them to go through the legal steps to become a citizen. Lawmakers in Congress, specifically Republicans, felt the need to form a bill to help stop the dangers that illegal immigration can pose. This resulted in the Laken Riley Act which would require the detainment of illegal aliens who have been arrested for theft or burglary.

The bill seems like common sense, but unsurprisingly it has been met with backlash from some Democrats in Congress who believe that the bill could unfairly discriminate against minorities. But despite those concerns, the Senate has mulled over the bill and delivered Donald Trump a gift on his first day in the White House by passing it.

Senate Passes Amended “Laken Riley Act,” Targeting Non-Citizens Charged with Crimes

On Monday, the Republican controlled Senate advanced an amended version of the “Laken Riley Act,” legislation requiring federal officials to detain non-citizens charged with crimes in the United States. The bill cleared the upper chamber with a 65-34 vote, with 12 Democrats joining Republicans in support. Among them were Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and several lawmakers from battleground states.

🚨#BREAKING: The U.S. Senate has passed the Laken Riley Act with it being 64-35. pic.twitter.com/9A8JUa35Sw

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 20, 2025

The measure now moves to the Republican-controlled House, which passed a previous version of the bill earlier this month. If the lower chamber approves the amended version, it will head to the White House for final consideration. And if it does end up at the White House, it’s a pretty safe bet that Donald Trump would sign it into law. “This critical legislation will strengthen public safety and protect our communities. I’m looking forward to President Trump signing this life-saving legislation,” said Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in a post on X.

The Senate just passed the Laken Riley Act. This critical legislation will strengthen public safety and protect our communities. I’m looking forward to President Trump signing this life-saving legislation. pic.twitter.com/OQG5O4pio5

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 20, 2025

The original draft of the bill tasked the secretary of Homeland Security with detaining illegal aliens charged with, convicted of, or who admitted to offenses related to theft. However, the Senate added key amendments to expand its scope. One amendment, introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), added crimes such as “the assault of a law enforcement officer offense, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

Another significant addition was “Sarah’s Law,” championed by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). Named after an Iowan who was k*lled by an illegal immigrant nine years ago, this provision ensures that illegal immigrants accused of k*lling someone, including through incidents like drunk driving, are detained without bail.

Fox News reporter Chad Pergam explained the provision on X, stating, “It requires detention and bars bail [for] illegal immigrants who have been accused of k*lling someone, such as via drunk driving.” The amended bill also includes a controversial clause that allows states to sue federal officials for “injunctive relief” if immigration policies are deemed harmful to their citizens. An effort by Senate Democrats to curtail this provision failed.

The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was tragically k*lled in 2024. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela, was convicted of k*lling her and sentenced to prison for life. Earlier in January, Congressman Mike Collins (R-GA) reintroduced the “Laken Riley Act” in the new Congress after the bill cleared the House last year but stalled in the Senate under Democratic leadership.

Do you agree with the passing of the Laken Riley Act? What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s plans to crack down on illegal immigration? Let us know in the comments!