Trump Officially Secures First Major Victory
With a decisive legislative triumph that underscores his administration’s renewed emphasis on law and order, President Donald Trump is capitalizing on his second term. The first major law signed by Trump since returning to the White House was the Laken Riley Act, which officially became law on Wednesday.
Aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, the bill mandates the detention of illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes and theft, even before a conviction is reached. Quickly passing through both chambers of Congress, the legislation seeks to close what Republicans have described as dangerous loopholes in the immigration system. The act is named after Laken Riley, a young woman tragically killed by an illegal immigrant.
The new law amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by compelling the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented individuals charged with crimes such as burglary, larceny, assaulting law enforcement, and theft. Additionally, the bill includes provisions granting state attorneys general the authority to take legal action against federal agencies for failing to enforce immigration laws effectively.
Senate Republicans championed the bill, arguing that it was a necessary measure to address the rising crime rates associated with illegal immigration. However, certain Democrats voiced strong opposition to the legislation.
During the signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, a reporter interrupted the solemn occasion with a question about federal funds following Tuesday’s freeze. The query appeared to be an attempt to shift focus away from the historic moment.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate timing,” Trump responded 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.”
The bill cleared the House with a 263-156 vote, with 46 Democrats crossing party lines to support it. The recent elections played a role in shifting the political landscape, contributing to this change in Democratic stance. Earlier, the Senate had passed the measure with a 64-35 vote.
The legislation also introduces potential legal challenges, particularly the provision that allows states to sue the federal government if they suffer financial losses due to the release of detained illegal immigrants. This aspect could set the stage for legal disputes between Republican-led states and courts appointed under the Biden administration.
“I believe a secure border creates a more secure nation, and it’s just common sense,” said Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), a cosponsor of the bill. He further emphasized that he was elected “to work with both sides of the aisle.”
In his first week back in office, President Trump has issued numerous executive orders aimed at enhancing border security and targeting millions of undocumented immigrants for potential deportation. His administration has also moved to halt refugee resettlement programs and has warned local law enforcement officials against disregarding these new directives.
“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 declared. “We have no apologies, and we’re moving forward very fast.”
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns that the law 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.”