The U.S. House approved a bill on Tuesday (7) that will target undocumented immigrants accused of non-violent crimes for deportation, a first step by a Republican majority that promised to enforce the immigration crackdown pledged by elected President Donald J. Trump.
The measure, which garnered support from 48 Democrats as well as all Republicans, appears to be on its way to enactment, having received bipartisan backing in the Senate, which plans to vote on it Friday. It is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was killed last year in Georgia by an immigrant who crossed the United States illegally and was arrested and charged with theft but was not detained.
The swift action reflected how Republicans in Congress intend to use their power (Republicans will control both legislative houses and the executive starting January 20) to revive and pass a series of border security measures that died during the last Democrat-controlled Senate. This includes bills to increase deportations, keep asylum seekers out of the United States, and cut federal funding to cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities.
“This bill is more than just a piece of legislation; it is a return to American common sense values,” said Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota. “And under President Trump’s leadership, there will be much more where this came from.”
The bipartisan vote, 264 to 159, illustrated how some Democrats, wounded by their party’s electoral losses in 2024, are reevaluating their positions on issues like immigration, even knowing it will be a much harsher approach under Trump.
“I support giving authorities the tools to prevent tragedies like this while we work on comprehensive solutions to our broken system,” said Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, endorsing the bill.
The bill requires federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft, burglary, and fraud, expanding the list of charges that would subject them to detention and potential deportation.
“At this moment, ICE cannot detain and deport illegal criminals who commit these minor crimes,” said Representative Mike Collins, a Republican from Georgia and the bill’s author, on the floor. “We need to get these people off the streets. These criminals are becoming bolder as our communities become less safe.”
Many Democrats argued that the new category is too broad and could result in the detention of innocent people.
According to current law, non-citizens who have been convicted of at least two misdemeanors are subject to potential deportation.
Source: The New York Times