The Senate passed a bill aimed at detaining criminal illegal immigrants, receiving support from 10 Democrats and Republicans. The bill, prompted by the murder of a nursing student by a Venezuelan gang member, faces opposition from Democrats who argue its detention requirements are too broad. The House of Representatives previously approved a similar version, and the Senate version awaits a final vote before being sent to President-elect Trump for his signature.
A vote on final passage for a bill aimed at detaining criminal illegal immigrants will take place Monday at 5:30 p.m., following President-elect Donald Trump ’s inauguration ceremony. The bill, passed with a cloture motion, received support from 10 Democrats alongside Republicans. Some of these Democrats face potentially challenging re-election campaigns in 2026 in states that Trump won in 2024, including Sens. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Gary Peters of Michigan.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) emphasized the bill's purpose during a Friday floor speech, stating, “That’s what we’re trying to do here, is prevent another tragedy.” He cited the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, by a Venezuelan gang member in Athens, Ga. in February 2024 as a tragic example of the need for the bill. The bill aims to address concerns about the release of criminal illegal immigrants from custody, as evidenced by the case of Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan gang member convicted of Riley's murder and sentenced to life in prison.Opponents of the bill argue that it is overly broad in its detention requirements, potentially straining the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hold tens of thousands more migrants accused of crimes. They call for increased resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and faster deportation of criminals instead. However, proponents counter that the arguments against the bill reveal a reluctance to crack down on illegal immigration. The House of Representatives passed a similar version of the bill earlier this month, but the Senate version must be approved before it can be sent to Trump for his signature. An amendment offered by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to mandate the detention of migrants who engage in violence against police officers or commit crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury passed with bipartisan support. Despite this, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) remained opposed, stating that he would vote against the bill due to its shortcomings. The bill's future remains uncertain as it awaits a final vote in the Senate
Immigration Criminal Immigrants Detention Senate Bill Donald Trump
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US House approves bill to avert midnight shutdown, sends to SenateUS House approves bill to avert midnight shutdown, sends to Senate
Read more »
US Senate approves Social Security change despite fiscal concernsUS Senate approves Social Security change despite fiscal concerns
Read more »
Senate approves 235th judge of Biden's term, beating Trump's tallyBiden secures the 235th judicial confirmation of his presidency, exceeding Trump's first-term total by one after Democrats focus on federal courts.
Read more »
Senate Democrats blast Supreme Court's 'ethical crisis' as investigation concludesLawrence Hurley is a senior Supreme Court reporter for NBC News.
Read more »
Senate approves bill to bolster Social Security benefits for millions of public service workersJustin Boggs is a writer for the E.W. Scripps company. Justin covers anything from politics to sports and entertainment.
Read more »
Late Senate vote approves RFK site plan as Commanders pursueEarly Saturday morning, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that greatly increases the chances of the Commanders building at the site of RFK Stadium.
Read more »