WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – The Laken Riley Act, introduced by the Republican Party, is now set to be presented to President Donald Trump. It marks the first piece of legislation he will sign following the GOP’s acquisition of both congressional chambers and the presidency.

What is the Laken Riley Act?

The bill was named after Georgia nursing student Laken Riley who was killed while jogging last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the U.S. illegally.

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The initial legislation from the House mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain illegal immigrants accused of theft-related offenses and gives states the authority to sue the Department of Homeland Security for damages incurred due to illegal immigration. Before sending the bill back to the house, the senate also incorporated additional provisions to deport illegal immigrants who either assault police officers or inflict death or “serious bodily injury” on others.

Opposition from Democrats.

The majority of Democrats opposed the bill, contending that deporting individuals merely accused of crimes poses a significant risk to due process. Proponents argue that those residing illegally have already violated U.S. laws. It is noteworthy that a greater number of Democrats supported the bill during its recent passage in the House compared to its initial consideration in 2024.

Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters voted in favor of the bill as did the state’s new senator, Elissa Slotkin. All of the Republican Representatives from Michigan voted for the bill. Democrats Tlaib and Haley Stevens voted no while Debbie Dingell and Shri Thanedar did not vote.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib stands out.

Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) criticized the Laken Riley Act for its implications on illegal immigrants, stating on the House floor, “It is shameful that the first bill of the new Congress will put a target on the back of millions of our neighbors and increase the militarization of our neighborhoods. This bill is a blatant violation of due process and will lead to the mandatory detention and deportation of people who are merely accused of a crime – without even being convicted.”

 

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Tlaib went on to say, “It will separate families and lead to increase racial profiling. It will empower Trump even further to unleash mass deportations on our communities. It’s a shame that my colleagues are giving into racist fear mongering at the first opportunity and fuel hate in our communities.”

Trump tough stance on border security.

Trump was elected president largely for his promise of mass deportations, assuring Americans that he would put them first, especially their safety and security.