Its provisions include mandatory detention for illegal immigrants charged with crimes such as burglary, theft, or shoplifting, as well as empowering states to sue the federal government for failures in immigration enforcement. The legislation seeks to prevent the release of individuals like José Antonio Ibarra, the illegal immigrant who murdered Riley after multiple arrests and releases due to lax enforcement. The House passed the bill on January 7, with strong bipartisan backing in a 264-159 vote, including support from 48 Democrats. The Senate advanced the bill for debate with an overwhelming 84-9 vote just two days later. However, as the bill heads toward final passage, many Senate Democrats remain uncommitted.
The list of senators hesitating to support the Laken Riley Act includes high-profile names such as Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Others include Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CN), and Chris Murphy (D-CN). Their hesitation has prompted widespread criticism, particularly from proponents who argue that the act’s measures are not only reasonable but essential to ensuring public safety.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has hinted at possible amendments to the bill, a move that many Republicans fear could dilute its effectiveness or kill it altogether. While Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has broken ranks by voicing support for the legislation, he remains a rare exception among Democrats. Special interest groups lobbying against the act have also drawn criticism for allegedly pressuring Democratic senators to block the bill. The hesitation of these senators is particularly notable given the bill’s bipartisan success in the House, where it passed with 48 Democratic votes, and an overwhelming 84-9 tally in favor of advancement in the Senate.
Senator Britt has not held back in her criticism. “The Laken Riley Act is ultimately going to save lives. It is a common sense piece of legislation, and it actually puts the talk that we’ve been having over the last four years into action,” Britt told CNN’s Jake Tapper. “There’s been no more litigated issue over the last four years than President Biden and Vice President Harris’s open border policies. It is my belief that the American people entered a verdict on that on November 5, saying we are ready for secure borders, we want our streets and our communities to be safe and secure. This is the first step in doing this. This is a targeted piece of legislation that goes directly to the heart of the tragedy that occurred with Laken Riley.”
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“Americans are ready for common-sense solutions, and they’re ready for us to stop talking and actually yield results. I’m encouraged by the number of Democrats that have come on board. And those who have voiced their support for this piece of legislation, I think, as we continue to debate this and talk about the merits of it this week, it will garner more support. And, as you know, Jake, it passed the House, not once, but twice,” Britt continued. “If you don’t commit a crime, the Laken Riley Act doesn’t apply to you. And I think people would agree that if you do commit a crime, you should go to the front of the line when it comes to detention and removal.”
