Laken Riley Act facts for kids
.svg) |
|
| Full title | To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes. |
|---|---|
| Introduced in | 119th United States Congress |
| Introduced on | January 6, 2025 |
| Number of co-sponsors | 53 |
| Legislative history | |
|
|
The Laken Riley Act is a United States law. It requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hold people who are not legally allowed to be in the U.S. if they are accused of, or admit to, certain serious actions. These actions include stealing, harming a police officer, or causing death or serious injury through dangerous behavior.
The Act also lets states take legal action against the Department of Homeland Security. This can happen if states believe the department is not following the rules for immigration enforcement.
On January 22, 2025, the House of Representatives agreed to the Senate's version of the bill. The vote was 263 in favor and 156 against. President Donald Trump officially signed the bill into law on January 29, 2025.
Contents
What the Law Does
This law makes sure that the Department of Homeland Security, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), detains certain people. These are individuals who are not legally allowed to be in the U.S. and are accused of, arrested for, or admit to committing specific illegal actions.
Originally, the law focused on actions related to stealing. However, changes were added as it moved through Congress.
State Legal Actions
The law also gives states the power to sue the federal government. This can happen if a state believes the government is not following the rules about holding and removing people who are not legally allowed to be in the U.S.
Key Changes to the Bill
When the bill passed the Senate, two important changes were added:
- Cornyn Amendment: This part requires holding people who are not legally allowed to be in the U.S. if they are accused of harming a law enforcement officer.
- Ernst Amendment (also called "Sarah's Law"): This part includes holding people who are not legally allowed to be in the U.S. if they are accused of a serious action that causes death or major injury.
Who Supports and Opposes the Law
Many groups have shared their opinions on the Laken Riley Act.
Supporters
Organizations that support the bill believe it is important for immigration enforcement. Some of these groups include:
- Federation for American Immigration Reform
- Association of Mature American Citizens
Opponents
Many organizations oppose the bill. They have concerns about its impact and fairness. Some of these groups include:
- American Immigration Council
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Center for Constitutional Rights
- League of Women Voters
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Jewish Council for Public Affairs
- National Education Association
- National Organization for Women
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- United Steelworkers
- United Church of Christ
- National Association of Social Workers
- National Council of Churches
- Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
- Center for Law and Social Policy
- Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Critics of the bill are worried that it requires holding people before they have been found guilty of an action in court.
Related Topics
- List of United States immigration laws
- Habeas corpus in the United States (This is a legal term about a person's right to be brought before a court.)
- Mass deportation of illegal immigrants in the second presidency of Donald Trump
