The U.S. House has passed a bill named after a murder victim that greatly expands mandatory detention requirements for immigrants charged with petty crimes. The 263-156 vote, with 46 House Democrats joining Republicans, sends the bill to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. The measure, known as the Laken Riley Act, is seen as an early victory for Trump who campaigned on an immigration crackdown. The bill would require mandatory detention without bond for immigrants accused of crimes, regardless of legal status, potentially leading to mass deportations. The legislation also gives state attorneys general broad legal standing to challenge federal immigration policy and the issuance of visas. The cost of enforcing the law is estimated to be over $26 billion in the first year. Two amendments were added in the Senate to expand mandatory detention requirements for assault on a law enforcement officer and serious harm or death of a person. The bill has faced criticism from immigration attorneys and advocates, as well as some Senate Democrats.
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Congress passes immigrant detention bill for Trump to sign on third day in office • Kansas Reflector
