The U.S. Senate has passed [1] the Laken Riley Act, a bill named after a Georgia college student tragically murdered by a Venezuelan illegal alien.
The legislation requires authorities to detain illegal aliens suspected of theft, aiming to bolster existing immigration and public safety laws.
The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives for reconciliation before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.
The bill’s namesake, Laken Riley, was murdered last year, sparking outrage over gaps in the enforcement of immigration laws.
The legislation has been framed as a common-sense measure to address these issues and prevent similar tragedies.
The Senate vote showcased bipartisan support, with all 51 Republican senators voting in favor of the bill, joined by 12 Democrats.
BIPARTISAN MOMENTUM!
In a 64-35 vote, the U.S. Senate passed the Laken Riley Act, hours after President Donald Trump was inaugurated into office. pic.twitter.com/fvaNvqyDie [2]
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 21, 2025 [3]
This rare collaboration underscores growing public pressure for stricter immigration enforcement.
According to recent polls, there is overwhelming support among voters for enhanced border security and stricter measures against illegal immigration.
The 12 Democrats who crossed party lines to support the bill include John Fetterman (Pa.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), and Mark Warner (Va.).
The legislation gained momentum last week after 10 Democrats supported a procedural vote to limit debate and advance the bill.
Two more Democrats joined their colleagues in voting for the final passage.
“Polls consistently show that Americans want stronger border enforcement and safer communities,” said a Republican Senate aide.
“The Laken Riley Act is a step toward addressing the concerns of voters who want accountability and action on immigration.”
Acting on public sentiment, even some typically left-leaning senators from swing states felt compelled to back the measure.
Georgia’s two Democrat senators, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, supported the bill, a move likely influenced by the political realities of representing a state with a growing demand for tougher immigration policies.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Laken Riley Act swiftly upon its arrival at the White House.
The legislation aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to address immigration issues, including border security and deportation policies.
The bipartisan support for the Laken Riley Act signals a shifting political and cultural landscape.
Here are the 35 Senators that voted NO to the Laken Riley Act. 🚨🚨
Publicly shame them. pic.twitter.com/WffdE1dDAr [4]
— Steve 🇺🇸 (@SteveLovesAmmo) January 21, 2025 [5]
Observers note that Trump’s presidency has amplified voter concerns about immigration, prompting even red-state and swing-state Democrats to align with Republicans on key legislation.
The act’s progress in Congress reflects a broader trend of collaboration on issues where public opinion is clear and decisive.
As lawmakers look ahead, similar bills addressing immigration and public safety could follow this path, leveraging bipartisan momentum.
The Laken Riley Act now awaits final steps before becoming law, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and public safety in the United States.