House Passes Laken Riley Act, First Bill of New Congress

The Act requires Homeland Security to detain criminal illegal immigrants and allows states to sue the federal government over immigration policy.

The U.S. Capitol building on the opening day of the 119th Congress in Washington on Jan. 3, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act with a vote of 264–159. Almost all Republicans and 48 Democrats united to push the bill through the lower chamber of Congress.

The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants who have committed certain crimes, such as theft, burglary, or shoplifting.