Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act into law! This new law says undocumented immigrants accused of crimes like theft, burglary, or attacking police must be kept in jail. Who will this help? How will it change public safety, immigration rules, and state rights? Read the full article to find out!
Trump Makes Laken Riley Act a Law
On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This is a big change for U.S. immigration rules. The law says undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes must be held in federal jail. The goal is to make communities safer and stop illegal immigrants from committing more crimes. The law is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed in February 2024. The person accused of her murder, José Antonio Ibarra, was an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela with past arrests in the U.S. Her case started a huge debate about immigration and safety, which led to this law.
What Does the Laken Riley Act Do?
This law makes immigration rules tougher. Here are its 3 main points:
- Jail Required for Certain Crimes
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must lock up undocumented immigrants charged with these crimes:- Theft
- Burglary
- Attacking police officers
- Crimes causing death or serious injury
This means they can’t get bail and must stay in jail until their trial or deportation.
- States Can Sue the Government
The law lets state officials sue the federal government if they think DHS isn’t following immigration rules properly. - Visa Bans for Some Countries
If a country won’t take back its deported citizens, states can ask the State Department to stop giving visas to people from that country.
Who Benefits from This Law?
- U.S. Citizens & Communities: It lowers the risk of crimes by undocumented immigrants.
- Police & Law Agencies: Dangerous people stay in jail instead of returning to the streets.
- Victims’ Families: It brings justice for those hurt by crimes from undocumented immigrants.
- State Governments: States get more power to enforce immigration rules.
But there are also worries about costs and rights that some people don’t like.
How Did This Law Pass?
Both parties in Congress supported it:
- House of Representatives: Passed with 263-156 votes, including 46 Democrats.
- Senate: Passed with 61-35 votes, with 10 Democrats in favor.
This shows even some Democrats agree on tougher immigration rules.
Why Are Some People Against It?
- Rights Issues: Critics say jailing people just for accusations isn’t fair and could trap innocent people.
- High Costs: It’ll cost $27 billion a year, which taxpayers will have to pay.
- Impact on Immigrants: Some worry it could lead to unfair treatment or profiling.
- State vs. Federal Power: Experts say states suing the government could cause legal fights.
Supporters say it’s all about keeping people safe and fixing immigration problems.
What’s Next?
- Courts might see challenges to this law.
- More undocumented immigrants could end up in jail.
- Debates about safety and rights will heat up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s the Laken Riley Act?
It’s a law that locks up undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes and lets states sue the federal government if immigration rules aren’t followed. - Who Was Laken Riley?
A 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia killed in February 2024 by an undocumented immigrant with prior arrests. - Which Crimes Lead to Jail?
Theft, burglary, attacking police, or crimes causing death or serious injury. - Does This Apply to All Immigrants?
No, only those accused of certain crimes. - How Much Will It Cost?
About $27 billion every year.