Senate Passes Laken Riley Act, First Bill Approved by New Congress

The bill passed with support of two-thirds of the Senate, and amendments expanding the list of crimes it covers.

The U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 19, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The Senate has passed, 64–35, legislation that requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal immigrants arrested for theft, burglary, or shoplifting.

The legislation also allows states to sue the federal government if it fails to follow procedures related to immigration, such as properly vetting immigrants seeking to come to the United States.