The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act, a Republican-backed bill that seeks to curb illegal immigration by boosting border security and expanding detention powers for migrants accused of minor offenses.
The legislation, named in honor of a Georgia student killed by an undocumented immigrant, allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes.
Why It Matters
The bill, which passed on Tuesday after being reintroduced to the House on Monday, is one of the Republicans' first acts in the new Congress and demonstrates the party's commitment to enacting President-elect Donald Trump's immigration agenda.
What To Know
On February 22, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student in Georgia, disappeared after going for a run. Her body was later discovered in a wooded area near the University of Georgia's Athens campus.
In November, Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, was convicted of her murder. During the trial, Ibarra was said to be affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang.
The Laken Riley Act, designated as H.R. 29, was originally introduced by Republican Alabama Senator Katie Britt during the previous congressional session. Although it passed the House, it had little chance of advancing in the Senate, which was then under Democratic control.
On January 6, the first day of the new GOP-controlled Congress, Representative Mike Collins, a Republican from Georgia, reintroduced the legislation.
The bill proposes two key changes to immigration law. First, it mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain non-U.S. nationals accused of theft, burglary, shoplifting or larceny irrespective of their immigration status.
The second key provision of the act empowers state attorneys general to file lawsuits against the secretary of Homeland Security if migrants covered by the act are not detained. According to the bill's sponsors, this measure is intended to ensure enforcement of the first provision.
The number of House Democrats voting in favor of the bill increased from 37 last year to 48 in 2025. The House passed the bill with a vote of 264 to 159.
What People Are Saying
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, said in a statement to Newsweek: "Laken Riley's story is a tragic reminder of what's at stake when our systems fail to protect people. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence. Immigration is what makes our country great. I support giving authorities the tools to prevent tragedies like this one while we work on comprehensive solutions to our broken system."
Representative Mike Collins, Republican from Georgia, said in a news release on Monday: "The Laken Riley Act gives our law enforcement the tools they need to protect their communities and ensure that no more innocent lives are lost to a broken immigration and criminal justice system. I am proud that the House was able to come together and pass this bill. If the Senate will do its job, President Trump will make it law."
Senator Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama, said in a news release on January 3: "This Congress, my first priority out of the gate will be strengthening border security and interior immigration enforcement—something the American people overwhelmingly voted to support in November."
What Happens Next
The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. All 52 Senate Republicans are co-sponsoring the bill, along with Democratic Senator John Fetterman. Republicans require the support of seven additional Democrats to secure the 60 votes needed to surpass a filibuster.
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