On Tuesday afternoon, the House of Representatives approved the Laken Riley Act, marking the first federal legislation passed by the 119th Congress after establishing its rules for the term. The vote reflected bipartisan support, with all Republicans and 48 Democrats backing the bill, leading to a passage with a score of 264 to 159. The act is named in memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant while jogging at the University of Georgia.

If enacted, the Laken Riley Act would require federal immigration authorities to detain individuals illegally residing in the country who are convicted of theft-related offenses. Additionally, it would empower states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for any damages caused to their residents due to illegal immigration. The murder of Laken Riley was perpetrated by Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant previously arrested but never detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Several first-term House Democrats, who won tight races against Republican incumbents, joined Republicans in supporting the bill. In a previous attempt to pass the legislation, it had received bipartisan approval but failed to progress in the Senate during the time when Chuck Schumer was the Majority Leader. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized that the bill aims to hold the current administration accountable for open border policies and enhance safety measures for American communities.

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his hope for cooperation with Democrats who are willing to work on bipartisan solutions to the ongoing issues related to border security. The act is one among several proposals aimed at strengthening immigration laws that House Republicans are reintroducing, coinciding with their gaining full control over Washington following recent elections. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later this week, reflecting the growing emphasis on border security within the new congressional agenda.