Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt's Laken Riley Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 263-156, marking a significant step in immigration enforcement and border security legislation. The bill is now set to be signed into law by President Donald J. Trump.

Senator Britt commented on the bill's progress: "With the House passage of the Laken Riley Act today, this landmark bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to not only be signed into law, but to be the first law he signs as the 47th President."

The bill was introduced in the House by Congressman Mike Collins and includes provisions from Senator John Cornyn's POLICE Act and Senator Joni Ernst's Sarah’s Law. These additions expand criminal offenses covered by the bill and mandate detention for illegal aliens involved in serious crimes.

Rep. Mike Collins stated, “The Laken Riley Act is bipartisan legislation that fixes a bipartisan problem, and I am proud that the country has come together to ensure that no family must live through the pain that an illegal immigrant has caused Riley’s.”

Before its passage, Senator Britt emphasized the importance of the act: "After nearly a yearlong battle over the Laken Riley Act, this week, we decided to put the security of the American people first... With our Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, Congress is back to working for the American people once again."

The Laken Riley Act mandates U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit specific crimes and allows states to take civil action against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

Senators Britt and Ted Budd reintroduced this legislation in Congress with support from both parties.