Senate Advances Controversial Laken Riley Act Amid Bipartisan Support and Democratic Concerns
The Senate votes 84-9 to advance the Laken Riley Act, sparking debate over immigration policy amid conflicting Democratic views.
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Summary
The Senate voted 84-9 to advance the Laken Riley Act, mandating detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. Despite bipartisan support, 31 Senate Democrats backed the act amidst internal concerns over security implications. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported procedural advancement while advocating for amendments. The bill, following the House's passage, reflects a shifting Democratic stance on immigration following electoral losses. Critics, including some Democrats and civil liberties groups, argue it threatens civil liberties and may lead to wrongful deportations.
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From the Left
The Laken Riley Act is viewed by some Democrats as a hastily constructed initiative that does not adequately tackle the deep-rooted issues in the immigration system, raising concerns about its potential effectiveness in providing real reform.
While some Democrats have chosen to support the bill under pressure to align with a more conservative voter base, this action reflects a critical struggle within the party to maintain its progressive ideals in the face of growing public demand for stricter immigration policies.
The advancement of the bill has reignited fears surrounding the mass detention of undocumented immigrants for minor crimes, which could lead to overstretched community resources and impact public safety for vulnerable populations.
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From the Right
The Laken Riley Act represents a significant legislative triumph for Republicans, aiming to bolster public safety and promote accountability over illegal immigration, especially following the tragic case of Laken Riley.
The overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill indicates a notable shift among Democrats, as many begin acknowledging the clear voter mandate for more stringent immigration enforcement following the Republican resurgence in recent elections.
By fostering state authority in enforcing immigration policies, the legislation not only empowers local governance but also holds the federal government accountable for upholding its immigration laws.
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Highlights (12)
Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are struggling to find a coherent position on immigration after their blowout loss in 2024.
GOP plans to jam Schumer with immigration bills
Axios
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"The Laken Riley Act creates a pipeline for mass detention, not a sensible solution for public safety. This is political gamesmanship at its worst, planting a trap for lawmakers by exploiting a tragedy."
Laken Riley Act: Dems push immigration bill that "doesn't actually exist"
Newsweek
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Democrats want to have a robust debate where we can offer amendments and improve the bill.
Laken Riley Act Advances in Senate With Bipartisan Support
Epoch Times
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But this bill is just not very well crafted, and I think we could do a bipartisan bill, but this is a talking point turned into a legislative action.
Senate votes to advance Laken Riley Act, and start debate on immigration bill
USA TODAY
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The new Democratic strategy is a shift from Trump’s first term, when Democrats openly and aggressively fought Trump on policy.
PBS NewsHour
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The Laken Riley Act was intended to shore up enforcement of immigration and fix the issues that went awry.
Senate advances Laken Riley Act, letting states sue DHS for illegal immigration effects
New York Post
·Leans RightThe underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.Mostly Reliable
Some Democratic critics have attacked the bill as a sloppy attempt to rewrite the immigration code in a manner that could undermine federal authority and infringe upon the jurisdiction of local law enforcement.
US Senate advances Laken Riley Act, which would detain undocumented immigrants for theft
The Guardian
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Democrats believe appearing tough on deportations may help them in the future despite concerns raised by pro-immigration and civil liberties groups.
Senate Clears Procedural Hurdle on Laken Riley Act, Setting Up Vote Next Week
New York Sun
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A growing list of Democrats announced their plans to support the Republican-led measure ahead of Thursday's vote, including Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.
Senate advances Laken Riley Act in bipartisan 84-9 vote
CBS News
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The Laken Riley Act presents the Senate a simple choice: Are you willing to allow illegal immigrant criminals to roam free in our country? Or do you want to save American lives?
Laken Riley Act overwhelmingly clears first hurdle in Senate with help from Democrats
The Hill
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Today’s vote on the Laken Riley Act is an important step forward in making our country safer, but there’s still more work to be done to get this commonsense legislation across the finish line.
Laken Riley Act overcomes filibuster in Senate as Dems give GOP helping hand
FOX News
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The openness from some Democrats to supporting the legislation comes as the party recalibrates its outlook on immigration after getting pummeled over the issue politically.
Senate advances Laken Riley Act to crack down on illegal immigration in bipartisan vote
NBC News
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