U.S. Senate Passes Law Mandating Detention and Deportation of Illegals Charged With Theft and Assault

The Laken Riley Act requires ICE to detain and deport illegal immigrants charged with theft, burglary, larceny, assault of law enforcement officers, and crimes causing death or serious bodily harm.

The United States Senate has passed the Laken Riley Act, legislation that requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants charged with theft, burglary, or larceny. The Act also empowers state attorneys general to hold federal officials accountable for failing to enforce immigration laws, granting states the authority to sue the federal government for non-compliance. If enacted, the legislation aims to close enforcement gaps, ensuring individuals who commit serious crimes are detained and deported promptly.

Passed by a bipartisan vote of 64 to 35, the legislation was named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in Athens, Georgia. The bill includes provisions introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) mandating the detention of individuals charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily harm. An amendment by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) adds mandatory detention for those who assault law enforcement officers.