Politics
JUST IN: Trump Officially Secures First Legislative Victory Of Second Term
President Donald Trump is wasting no time in his second term, setting the tone with a decisive legislative win that signals his administration’s renewed focus on law and order. On Wednesday, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking the first major piece of legislation signed since his return to the White House.
The bill, which swiftly passed both chambers of Congress, strengthens immigration enforcement by requiring the detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes, even before a conviction is secured. Named after Laken Riley, the young woman tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant, the act aims to close what Republicans have called dangerous loopholes in the immigration system.
The Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by mandating that the Department of Homeland Security take custody of illegal aliens who have been charged with crimes such as burglary, larceny, shoplifting, and assaults on law enforcement officers. The bill also includes provisions allowing state attorneys general to take legal action against federal agencies if they fail to enforce immigration laws effectively.
Senate Republicans championed the bill as a necessary step in curbing rising crime rates associated with illegal immigration. Some Democrats, however, have largely opposed the measure.
WATCH:
Moments after signing the Laken Riley Act, a reporter asked President Trump a question, attempting to steer the focus away from the historic legislation. The journalist interrupted the solemn occasion to ask about federal funding after Tuesday’s freeze.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate timing,” Trump said firmly. “I respect that, but I don’t think it’s appropriate. I can just tell you, government is doing very well and we’re cutting way back, but this is not the appropriate time.”
WATCH:
The bill successfully cleared the House with a vote of 263-156, garnering the support of 46 Democrats. The political landscape surrounding the bill changed following the recent elections, influencing the Democratic shift. Earlier, the Senate had approved the bill with a 64-35 vote.
The law also includes a provision allowing states to sue the federal government if they suffer financial harm due to the release of detained illegal immigrants, setting up potential legal battles between Republican-led states and the Biden-appointed judiciary.
“I believe a secure border creates a more secure nation and it’s just common sense,” cosponsor Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said, adding that he was elected “to work with both sides of the aisle.”
President Trump has launched a series of executive orders in his first week aimed at tightening U.S. border security and targeting millions of undocumented immigrants for potential deportation. His administration has halted refugee resettlement programs and suggested that local law enforcement officers who fail to comply with these new policies could face prosecution.
“We’re tracking down the illegal alien criminals and we’re detaining them and we’re throwing them the hell out of our country,” Trump said. “We have no apologies, and we’re moving forward very fast.”
The ACLU has expressed concerns that the act could lead to individuals being “mandatorily locked up — potentially for years — because at some point in their lives, perhaps decades ago, they were accused of nonviolent offenses.”
