U.S. House GOP Launches Bold New Session Focused on Border Security

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House has passed a pivotal bill aimed at increasing migrant detention, named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student whose murder has been linked by President Donald Trump to the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The legislation moved through the House with a vote of 264-159, garnering support from 48 Democrats.

During a press conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of border security, calling it a top priority for voters. “It’s an absolute disaster because of what has happened over the last four years, and the Laken Riley Act is a big part of that,” said the Louisiana Republican.

Laken Riley, 22, was murdered after going for a run, allegedly by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant. Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was convicted last month for her murder. This incident has intensified discussions surrounding immigration policy.

The bill, H.R. 29, previously made headlines when it was stalled in the Senate upon the refusal of then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring it to a vote. However, the political landscape has shifted, with Republicans now controlling the Senate. Alabama Senator Katie Britt is spearheading the companion legislation, S. 5, which has already attracted bipartisan support.

Support from Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania further bolsters the bill’s prospects. Michigan Senator Gary Peters also expressed willingness to support the legislation if it reaches a Senate vote, emphasizing the need for border security.

Should the Senate approve the bill, it is poised for signing soon after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Yet the level of Democratic support remains uncertain.

The legislation mandates that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security detain any immigrants, including those with legal status, charged with local theft, burglary, or shoplifting. It empowers state attorneys general to initiate civil lawsuits against the federal government if state residents are harmed due to detention or removal proceeding violations.

Rep. Mike Collins, who represents Riley’s family’s district, stated, “This legislation could have prevented her death.” During discussions, Collins shared a message from the Riley family that emphasized their support for the bill, highlighting its significance in preserving Laken’s legacy.

However, the measure faced criticism from Democratic representatives. Maryland’s Jamie Raskin described the bill as “empty and opportunistic,” arguing it compromises due process by mandating detention based solely on charges or arrests. Additionally, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, asserted that it fails to address the systemic issues within U.S. immigration policy while risking the detention of innocent individuals.

Last updated 1:54 p.m., Jan. 7, 2025