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BIG UPDATE: The Senate Just Passed a Major bill 64-35

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Disclaimer: The article may include the author's opinions.
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The GOP-led U.S. Senate approved the Laken Riley Act on Monday, marking a significant legislative step toward addressing immigration-related issues under President Donald Trump’s administration. The bill, which passed 64-35, garnered support from all Republican senators and 12 Democrats.

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The legislation mandates federal detention for undocumented immigrants accused of theft, burglary, and other offenses. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) emphasized its importance, stating it would ensure individuals accused of crimes, including assaults on law enforcement officers, remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody instead of being released.

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Named after Laken Riley, a college student murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant who had been released despite prior arrests, the bill reflects the GOP’s focus on immigration as a central issue. Among the Democrats backing the bill were Sens. John Fetterman (PA), Ruben Gallego (AZ), Maggie Hassan (NH), Mark Kelly (AZ), Jon Ossoff (GA), Raphael Warnock (GA), and others, many representing battleground states.

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The legislation includes “Sarah’s Law,” an amendment from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) that passed 75-24. This provision expands the bill to require the detention of undocumented individuals accused of causing death or serious bodily harm. The amendment is named after Sarah Root, who was killed in a 2016 car accident involving an undocumented immigrant who later fled the U.S.

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While the bill gained bipartisan support, many Democrats voiced concerns about its implementation costs and potential overreach. The Department of Homeland Security estimated a $27 billion cost in the first year alone, raising doubts about resource availability.

Additionally, a contentious provision allows ICE to detain migrants upon arrest rather than after conviction, a point of significant debate. A proposed Democratic amendment to remove a clause granting state attorneys general the authority to sue federal immigration officials was rejected.

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Internal divisions among Senate Democrats became evident, with some members from battleground states supporting the bill, complicating the party’s negotiating position.The legislation now heads to the House for approval. A prior version of the Laken Riley Act passed the House with support from 48 Democrats, but adjustments made in the Senate require a second vote.

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This legislative push underscores Republicans’ long-standing criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of border security and immigration. The bill’s passage comes after years of Republican attacks on the U.S.-Mexico border crisis and reflects the GOP’s strategy to maintain immigration as a key electoral issue. Democrats have attempted to counter these attacks with bipartisan initiatives, but internal divisions and Republican unity on immigration policy continue to challenge their efforts.

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