the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, in a significant legislative moment, the House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act, an immigration bill poised to be the first signed into law during President Donald Trump’s second term. The bill cleared the House in a 263-156 bipartisan vote, with 46 Democrats joining Republicans in support.
This move follows the Senate’s approval earlier this week, solidifying immigration reform as a priority under Trump’s administration.
Key Highlights of the Laken Riley Act
The bill mandates detention for a broad group of migrants without legal status, including asylum seekers accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, or shoplifting. Named after Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was tragically killed by a Venezuelan migrant, the legislation seeks to tighten immigration laws and enhance public safety.
President Trump, who campaigned heavily on immigration reform, is expected to sign the bill into law. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise hailed the passage as a milestone, stating, “We’re sending to President Trump’s desk his very first bill to sign into law.”
Controversial Provisions Spark Debate
Critics of the bill argue that it allows for detention based solely on accusations, not convictions, raising concerns about fairness and due process.
“Under this bill, someone who has lived in the U.S. for decades, paid taxes, and contributed to their community could be detained and deported for a charge that is later dropped,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).
Senate Amendments Strengthen the Bill
Two key amendments were added to the bill in the Senate:
- Sarah’s Law: Expands detention to migrants charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily injury, named after Sarah Root, who was killed in a 2016 crash involving a migrant.
- Assault on Law Enforcement: Introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), this amendment includes the assault of law enforcement officers as grounds for detention.
These additions highlight Republicans’ push to enforce stricter immigration policies.
Immigration Reform Takes Center Stage
The passage of the Laken Riley Act reflects the Republican Party’s continued focus on immigration. Trump’s recent executive orders further emphasize this priority, including:
- A pause on refugee admissions.
- Reinstating partnerships between local law enforcement and immigration agencies.
- Declaring migration an “invasion” to limit asylum processing.
A Divided Response
While the bill has garnered significant Republican support, it has also exposed divisions within the Democratic Party, with some members breaking ranks to back the measure.
For President Trump, this victory aligns with his campaign promise to prioritize border security and reform. Speaking about Riley’s case, Trump noted, “Her death is a reminder of the urgent need for immigration reform to protect our citizens.”
What’s Next?
The Laken Riley Act awaits Trump’s signature, which could happen as early as this week. This milestone marks the first step in what is expected to be a broader push for immigration reforms under the current administration.
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
https://truthsocial.com/@theridgewoodblog
https://mewe.com/jamesfoytlin.74/posts
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories