Staff Reports
The Laken Riley Act, fresh off the presses of President Trump’s new administration, sailed through the House like a hot knife through butter, receiving a lopsided vote of 263-156. This marks a significant legislative victory just days into Trump’s presidency. After a bipartisan Senate nod earlier in the week—where it passed with a 64-35 vote—the House added its stamp of approval, showing that some Democrats are still willing to cross party lines when it comes to issues surrounding illegal immigration and public safety.
The House passed the Laken Riley Act 263-156
46 Dems voted yes. 13 Dems didn't vote.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 22, 2025
Interestingly, the bill had already garnered bipartisan support previously, but legislators took the opportunity to make it even tougher by aligning it with the Senate’s version. The grand total of Democratic votes in favor totaled 46, while a mere 13 chose to sit on the sidelines instead of casting their votes. The Republicans, typically defined by their stance on law and order, remained united against, well, exactly nothing—no GOP member dared to oppose this bill. This team spirit may suggest a GOP eager to assert its new leadership.
REP. AOC ON LAKEN RILEY ACT: This bill is a fundamental erosion of our civil rights. In this bill – if a person is accused of a crime, they will be detained and deported. pic.twitter.com/k1PjCu6sBO
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 22, 2025
The legislation, named after 22-year-old Laken Riley—tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant—focuses on stricter immigration policies by mandating detention of illegals charged with theft-related crimes. This proposal comes hot on the heels of past recommendations from the Senate that were designed to bolster public safety further. Notably, amendments inspired by Senators John Cornyn and Joni Ernst included serious offenses against law enforcement, showing a commitment to those who put their lives on the line to protect citizens.
In stark contrast, Democrats who opposed the bill rallied behind a rather peculiar defense, focusing on the alleged “civil rights” of illegal immigrants. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the queen of the Far Left, took to the House floor to express her horror about the fundamental erosion of rights inherent in the bill. She may have missed the memo that discusses the rights of American citizens who aren’t being protected while an illegal is roaming free with a rap sheet. Meanwhile, fellow Squad member Rashida Tlaib struck a clumsy blow against the bill by throwing her family matters into the fray, suggesting that the measures could affect her mother. One can only wonder if her mother is a thief, since Tlaib was adamantly opposing legislation that targets just that.
President Trump has clearly positioned himself as the voice of the victims, in stark contrast to the previous administration, which seemed more concerned about the rights of criminals than those of law-abiding Americans. An embarrassing moment for Biden arose when he mispronounced Laken’s name as “Lincoln Riley” during his State of the Union address, seemingly requiring a push from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to even acknowledge the young woman’s tragic fate. For those keeping score at home, it’s becoming more apparent who is more invested in actual justice between the two parties.
With the Laken Riley Act, the new administration is boldly declaring that lawlessness will not be tolerated. Not only does this bill stand as a testament to the importance of safe streets, it marks a declaration that lawmakers are finally ready to prioritize the well-being of American citizens over that of those who flout the law. Time will tell if Republicans can maintain their unity on this issue and if Democrats can genuinely reconcile with the realities of safety and legality. But until then, it seems Trump’s America is ready for a serious change.
