The first amendment to the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at mandating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain and potentially deport undocumented migrants who are accused of nonviolent crimes such as trespassing and theft, was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday with a vote of 70-25. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, proposed the amendment which also includes a provision for the detention of any undocumented migrant accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer.
A total of 21 Democrats joined forces with all the present Republicans to pass the amendment, and there will be more discussions on the matter scheduled for Thursday.
The legislation, named in honor of a Georgia college student who fell victim to a Venezuelan migrant previously arrested and paroled for shoplifting, has successfully cleared two procedural hurdles in the Senate with strong support.
Some Democrats, such as Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., have expressed their full support for the Laken Riley Act until it becomes law. Meanwhile, other Democrats are aiming to address the criticisms surrounding the bill during the debate process. Critics argue that the bill could potentially enable authorities to disregard due process, leading to mass deportations. Sen. Cornyn’s amendment could heighten these concerns, as there have been past instances where individuals, particularly those who have been arrested, were falsely charged with assault, only for subsequent evidence to prove their innocence.
Democratic attempts to modify the bill have been fruitless thus far. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, proposed an amendment that aimed to eliminate a section of the bill granting state attorneys the authority to sue the federal government over detention policy. However, the amendment was ultimately rejected in a party-line vote of 46-49.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has made a commitment to facilitate an inclusive and open discussion, along with an amendment process, in the upcoming days. Thune expressed his intentions to reporters, stating, “Our objective is to engage in substantive debate and ultimately draft a robust bill that can successfully be enacted into law.”
According to reports, the South Dakota Republican has expressed his support for an amendment proposed by Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa. This amendment aims to broaden the scope of the bill to encompass the detention of undocumented migrants who are accused of committing crimes resulting in death or severe bodily harm.
The Laken Riley Act has already been passed by the House with the support of 48 Democratic votes. However, before it becomes law, the bill must undergo another vote in the Senate and then return to the House.
When it comes to immigration, Donald Trump’s plans have garnered a great deal of attention and controversy. In this article, we will delve into the details of his proposed policies and explore the potential impact they may have on the country.
One of the key pillars of Trump’s immigration plan is the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for secure borders and believes that a physical barrier will deter illegal immigration. This proposal has been met with both support and opposition, with critics arguing that it is an ineffective and costly solution.
In addition to the wall, Trump has also called for the implementation of stricter immigration policies. He has advocated for ending the policy of birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to children born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Instead, he proposes to revise the interpretation of the 14th Amendment to exclude children of undocumented immigrants.
Furthermore, Trump has expressed his intention to prioritize the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. He aims to establish a task force dedicated to identifying and removing criminal aliens from the country. This particular aspect of his plan has received both praise for its focus on public safety and criticism for its potential impact on families and communities.
Another notable aspect of Trump’s immigration plan is his call for a merit-based system. He argues that the current system, which is largely based on family ties, is outdated and does not prioritize individuals with valuable skills and contributions to offer. By shifting towards a merit-based approach, Trump believes that the country can attract the best and brightest from around the world.
While Trump’s immigration plans have resonated with some Americans who support stricter enforcement and border security, they have also faced significant opposition. Critics argue that his policies are discriminatory and go against the values of inclusivity and diversity that the United States has long prided itself on.
As the debate over immigration continues to unfold, it is clear that Trump’s plans have sparked a national conversation. The outcome of this discourse will shape the future of immigration policy in the United States and have lasting implications for millions of people.