The Republican-led House passed the Laken Riley Act on Tuesday, its first bill of the session, aimed at tightening border enforcement. Named after a 22-year-old Georgia student murdered in 2023 by a Venezuelan man who entered the U.S. illegally, the bill mandates detention for undocumented immigrants arrested for minor crimes and allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government for non-enforcement.
Passing 264-159 with support from 48 Democrats, the bill sparked debate. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats opposing it, citing public safety concerns. Riley’s death, a flashpoint in the 2024 presidential race, was linked by Republicans to President Biden’s border policies.
Sen. John Fetterman co-sponsored the bill, calling Riley’s death a “preventable tragedy.” However, Sen. Chris Murphy argued the bill complicates immigration law. The Senate is expected to vote Friday, what would have been Riley’s 23rd birthday.
Read More
The National Desk Rating
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
