Congress

Laken Riley Act Advances in Senate With Bipartisan Support

Schumer and other Democrats voted to move the bill forward, but said they want debates and, possibly, amendments.
Laken Riley Act Advances in Senate With Bipartisan Support
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) speaks at a press event on the Laken Riley Act at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 9, 2025. Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images
Stacy Robinson
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WASHINGTON—The Senate has overwhelmingly voted 84–9 to advance the Laken Riley Act, signaling that the bill may pass when it’s voted on next week. The legislation passed the House 264–159 on Jan. 6, with the support of 48 Democrats.

The bill mandates that the Department of Homeland Security detain illegal immigrants who are arrested for theft, burglary, or shoplifting. It also allows states to file suit against the federal government if it fails to enforce certain immigration policies and procedures.

Stacy Robinson
Stacy Robinson
Author
Stacy Robinson is a politics reporter for the Epoch Times, occasionally covering cultural and human interest stories. Based out of Washington, D.C. he can be reached at [email protected]