Senate Advances Laken Riley Act Amid Controversial Immigration Policy Changes

The Senate approved the Laken Riley Act, allowing detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes, with bipartisan support from Democrats.

40%

30%

This story was covered by 10 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The 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.

Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

The Senate voted 61-35 to advance the Laken Riley Act, targeting undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. This bipartisan effort saw ten Democrats supporting the bill. The act mandates detention for undocumented immigrants charged with certain crimes and allows state attorneys to sue the federal government for perceived enforcement failures. Critics argue it infringes on due process and raises concerns about implementation costs, estimated at $27 billion in the first year. Final passage is anticipated next week, potentially marking one of the first significant legislative actions under President-elect Trump.

Informed by:

From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

The Laken Riley Act is a reflection of Republicans using fear around immigrant crime to push stricter immigration policies, without addressing the complexity of immigration issues.
Despite some Democrats initially considering stricter immigration measures, many ultimately opposed the bill due to concerns about its potential negative impacts and lack of adequate funding to implement it.
The provision allowing state attorneys general to challenge federal immigration policies is alarming, as it could lead to chaotic changes in the immigration system and further strain an already overloaded process.

Informed by:

From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

The Laken Riley Act is a crucial step towards ending the Biden border crisis by mandating detention for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, aiming for a tougher stance on immigration enforcement.
This legislation represents a significant win for Republicans as it passes largely with bipartisan support, signaling a shift in immigration policy as Trump prepares to take office.
The bill’s namesake highlights the real dangers posed by undocumented immigrants, with supporters emphasizing the need for accountability and stricter immigration measures to protect citizens.

Informed by:

Highlights (8)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

With the Senate's advancement of the Laken Riley Act, Trump is poised for a significant early victory on immigration, underscoring the urgency and party alignment around this critical issue.
Evening Report — Trump eyes quick legislative win
The Hill
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The passage of the Laken Riley Act marks a troubling shift for Democrats, as they appear to be yielding ground to Republicans on immigration policy, a move that could alienate their base and signal a dangerous capitulation to extremism.
US Senate forwards bill targeting undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The willingness of Democrats, particularly those in swing districts and states, to support the bill is a sign of how vulnerable many in the party now understand themselves to be on immigration. Instead of fighting Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, as they did during his first term, Democrats are increasingly willing to cave to it in the hopes of insulating themselves from future Republican attacks.
Key Democrats Vote for Increasing Mandatory Detention of Immigrants
Mother Jones
Mostly Reliable
The 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.
·Left
This rush to provide a new set of tools for the incoming administration to carry out its most extreme policies seems imprudent. Passing a bad law won’t bring Laken Riley back to life nor will it make communities safer.
Opinion | The Democrats backing the Laken Riley Act are making a big mistake
MSNBC
Mostly Reliable
The 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.
·Left
The Laken Riley Act represents a significant step towards addressing the immigration issues that have plagued the nation, aligning with the incoming administration's push for tougher policies on undocumented immigrants.
Senate Advances Laken Riley Act, Setting Stage for an Early Immigration Win for Trump
New York Sun
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
The passage of the Laken Riley Act signals a troubling shift in immigration policy that prioritizes detaining migrants linked to minor offenses while neglecting the complexities of the immigration system.
Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be first law Trump signs
PBS NewsHour
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The Laken Riley Act, despite its intent, risks complicating an already strained immigration system, revealing the continuing struggle within the Democratic Party over how to approach border security while addressing the needs of vulnerable migrants.
The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump’s first law to sign
Boston Herald
Mostly Reliable
The 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.
·Leans Right
The Laken Riley Act represents a seismic shift in immigration policy under a Republican majority, signaling a willingness to impose stricter measures that many Democrats seem reluctantly to support amid changing political winds.
The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump's first law to sign
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center