**Senate Passes "Laken Riley Act" to Enhance Detention of Non-Citizen Theft Offenders**

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19 days ago - Politics

Senate Approves New Bill Aimed at Tackling Theft by Non-Citizens

In a recent vote, the Senate approved a new legislation designed to strengthen law enforcement against theft crimes committed by non-citizens. Known as the "Laken Riley Act," this bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take custody of any individuals who are charged with crimes like theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting.

A significant part of this legislation is that it expands the ability of the government to detain non-citizens. If a person is charged with theft, they cannot be released from custody unless local authorities decide they no longer need to hold them. This means that the government can keep these individuals in custody while their legal cases are being sorted out.

The bill also gives power to state attorneys general, allowing them to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security if they believe the release of a detained person harms their state. States can seek legal action if they suffer financial losses exceeding $100 due to these releases, giving them a way to voice their concerns.

Senate Republicans were the main supporters of this bill, pushing it forward with a strong majority. The vote passed with 61 senators in favor and 35 against, successfully meeting the required three-fifths majority needed to advance the bill.

Overall, the Laken Riley Act aims to improve safety in communities by ensuring that non-citizens charged with theft are held in custody, potentially helping to reduce crime related to theft.

This is a bill that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take control of non-citizens in the U.S. who are charged with theft.

  1. Main Point: Non-citizens charged with theft must be detained by the government.
  2. Supporting Details:
    • The bill changes laws to ensure that if a non-citizen is accused of stealing, they can be taken into custody.
    • Definitions of theft include burglary, larceny, and shoplifting, based on local laws.
    • State attorneys general can take action if they believe these changes harm their states or residents, especially if there is financial harm over $100.
    • The bill allows state officials to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security if they feel the actions taken harm their state.
    • The legal process for these cases will be sped up to ensure quick decisions.

This bill will impact how theft cases involving non-citizens are handled, making sure they are detained while their cases are being processed.

96 votes

Yes

61

No

35

Not Voting

3

  1. Became Public Law No: 119-1.
  2. Signed by President.
  3. Presented to President.
  4. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 263 - 156 (Roll no. 23). (text: CR H277-278)
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  6. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 263 - 156 (Roll no. 23). (text: CR H277-278)
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  7. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H285-286)
  8. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of the debate on S. 5, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Raskin demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
  9. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  10. DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 5.
  11. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 and S. 5. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 471 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of S. 5 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to commit.
  12. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 53. (consideration: CR H277-284)
  13. Rule H. Res. 53 passed House.
  14. Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 53 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 and S. 5. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 471 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of S. 5 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to commit.
  15. Held at the desk.
  16. Received in the House.
  17. Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  18. Engrossed in Senate

    This is a new law that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody immigrants who are charged with theft.

    • If an immigrant is charged with crimes like theft, burglary, or assault, they can be held by immigration authorities.
    • The law makes it clear what crimes lead to detention and lets state attorneys take action if harm is done to their state or residents because of someone not being held.
    • If a state feels financially harmed by a decision related to an immigrant, they can ask a court for help.
    • The law aims to ensure that certain immigrants cannot avoid consequences for serious crimes.

    This change affects how immigrants who commit crimes are treated and gives more power to state authorities to act against federal decisions they believe are harmful.

  19. Placed on Calendar Senate

    This is a bill that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take control of non-citizens in the U.S. who are charged with theft.

    1. Main Point: Non-citizens charged with theft must be detained by the government.
    2. Supporting Details:
      • The bill changes laws to ensure that if a non-citizen is accused of stealing, they can be taken into custody.
      • Definitions of theft include burglary, larceny, and shoplifting, based on local laws.
      • State attorneys general can take action if they believe these changes harm their states or residents, especially if there is financial harm over $100.
      • The bill allows state officials to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security if they feel the actions taken harm their state.
      • The legal process for these cases will be sped up to ensure quick decisions.

    This bill will impact how theft cases involving non-citizens are handled, making sure they are detained while their cases are being processed.