U.S. House approves Laken Riley Act, expanding detention for minor crimes

The US toughens measures against undocumented migrants.

The Laken Riley Act is approved.

Here the details.

The United States House of Representatives approved this Wednesday the controversial law: Laken Riley Act, that authorizes immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants for minor crimes, such as theft in supermarkets.

Marking a significant hardening of the country’s immigration policies.

The legislation, known as the Laken Riley Act, was approved with 262 votes in favor, including those of the Republican caucus and 46 Democrats, compared to 156 votes against.

Previously, the project had passed its process in the Senate with 64 favorable votes, including 12 from Democratic senators, and 35 against.

Laken Riley Act: The US toughens measures against undocumented migrants

Laken Riley Act heads to Trump to be signed into law. See how Florida voted https://t.co/h71h2oWJm6

— The News Herald (@The_News_Herald) January 23, 2025

The rule is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered in Georgia in 2024, a crime for which José Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant, was convicted.

The case has been used by its promoters as a symbol of the need to reform immigration policies and toughen measures against undocumented immigrants.

The law allows the detention of immigrants for minor crimes, such as shoplifting, and establishes that detainees will be placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In addition, it grants state attorneys general the power to intervene in federal government immigration decisions, including the possibility of blocking the issuance of visas to citizens of countries that refuse to accept deportations from the United States.

Republican Congressman Mike Collins, author of the proposal, celebrated its approval, arguing that the law responds to «the need to protect American communities.»

Criticisms and logistical challenges

Read «Laken Riley Act heads to Trump to be signed into law. See how Florida voted» on SmartNews: https://t.co/BgwNPLrXFD #SmartNews

— Carol Diaz (@lorac328) January 23, 2025

The measure has generated a wave of criticism from immigration law experts and activists, who warn that the legislation threatens due process and could lead to mass deportations.

In addition, they point out that the initiative imposes a high logistical and economic cost. This is reported by EFE.

Since more than $3 billion in additional budget would be required.

In addition to an increase in migrant detention capacity to more than 60,000 beds.

Laken Riley Act: A controversial regulation from Donald Trump

«This law is nothing more than an instrument to further criminalize immigrants and advance the mass deportation plans that President Donald Trump has promised.»

This was stated by María López, representative of the organization Human Rights First.

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The regulations represent the first law that President Donald Trump will sign in his second term, consolidating his restrictive immigration agenda as one of the pillars of his government.

However, the impact of this legislation promises to be the cause of debate and possible legal challenges in the coming months.

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