Laken Riley Act passes House, faces uncertain future in Senate

Laken Riley Act passes House, but Senate vote faces uncertainty with bipartisan support needed.

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The US House of Representatives passed a GOP-led bill on Tuesday aimed at requiring the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes.

Known as the Laken Riley Act, the legislation passed with a vote of 264 to 159, with 48 Democrats joining Republicans in support.

This marks the first bill of the new Congress, underscoring immigration as a central priority for the Republican Party.

The bill, named after a Georgia student who was killed in 2023 by an undocumented migrant, would mandate the detention of undocumented individuals charged with crimes such as theft or burglary.

The suspect in the case, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, was convicted and sentenced to life without parole, reigniting national debates on immigration and crime.

Despite the House passage, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the Senate with 53 seats, will need support from at least eight Democrats to clear the 60-vote threshold required to advance most legislation.

The measure is scheduled for a procedural vote on Friday, though the absence of incoming West Virginia GOP Senator Jim Justice—who is delaying his swearing-in—further complicates the math.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania expressed his support for the bill, calling the case of Laken Riley a tragic reminder of the need for stronger protections. “Immigration is what makes our country great,” Fetterman stated. “I support giving authorities the tools to prevent tragedies like this one while we work on comprehensive solutions to our broken system.”

Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, who is up for reelection in 2026, also indicated he would vote in favor, citing the importance of border security and public safety.

However, Democratic opposition remains a significant hurdle. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said he was "looking at" the legislation, while other Democrats have voiced concerns over its implications. Senate Republicans are hopeful that bipartisan support could help push the bill through, with some GOP members noting the support from Fetterman and Peters.

Despite the challenges in the Senate, Republicans are preparing a broader legislative agenda, including potential packages under the reconciliation process to bypass the 60-vote threshold.

However, divisions within the GOP remain over whether such a package should be comprehensive or split into separate legislative efforts.