The Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to limit debate on the Laken Riley Act, which compels border enforcement officials to take custody of illegal immigrants who commit theft and related crimes.
The 84-9 vote cleared the way for final passage of the measure, which could take place as soon as Friday — enabling it to be one of the first pieces of legislation signed into law by President-elect Donald Trump after clearing the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Under the act, states will also be able to sue the federal government for damages resulting from failure to enforce immigration law.
The bill is named after and was inspired by a Georgia nursing student who was attacked and brutally murdered while jogging by an illegal immigrant in February 2024.
The nine…
