By — Stephen Groves, Associated Press Stephen Groves, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-passes-bill-on-immigrant-detention-that-would-be-trumps-first-law-to-sign Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter House passes bill on immigrant detention that would be Trump’s first law to sign Politics Jan 22, 2025 5:35 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that requires the detainment of unauthorized migrants accused of theft and violent crimes, marking the first legislation that President Donald Trump can sign as Congress, with some bipartisan support, swiftly moved in line with his plans to crackdown on illegal immigration. WATCH: Senate passes Laken Riley Act and confirms Rubio as secretary of state Passage of the Laken Riley Act, which was named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man, shows just how sharply the political debate over immigration has shifted to the right following Trump’s election victory. Immigration policy has often been one of the most entrenched issues in Congress, but a crucial faction of politically vulnerable Democrats joined with Republicans to lift the strict proposal to passage on a 263-156 vote tally. “For decades, it has been almost impossible for our government to agree on solutions for the problems at our border and within our country,” said Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican. She called the legislation “perhaps the most significant immigration enforcement bill” to be passed by Congress in nearly three decades. WATCH: As concerns grow around surging violent crime, the numbers tell a different story Still, the bill would require a massive ramp up in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s capabilities, but does not include any new funding. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Stephen Groves, Associated Press Stephen Groves, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that requires the detainment of unauthorized migrants accused of theft and violent crimes, marking the first legislation that President Donald Trump can sign as Congress, with some bipartisan support, swiftly moved in line with his plans to crackdown on illegal immigration. WATCH: Senate passes Laken Riley Act and confirms Rubio as secretary of state Passage of the Laken Riley Act, which was named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man, shows just how sharply the political debate over immigration has shifted to the right following Trump’s election victory. Immigration policy has often been one of the most entrenched issues in Congress, but a crucial faction of politically vulnerable Democrats joined with Republicans to lift the strict proposal to passage on a 263-156 vote tally. “For decades, it has been almost impossible for our government to agree on solutions for the problems at our border and within our country,” said Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican. She called the legislation “perhaps the most significant immigration enforcement bill” to be passed by Congress in nearly three decades. WATCH: As concerns grow around surging violent crime, the numbers tell a different story Still, the bill would require a massive ramp up in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s capabilities, but does not include any new funding. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now