Several Senate Democrats have indicated their intention to support a bill that would require federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants who are convicted of theft. This development enhances the chances of the legislation passing in the Senate, as at least ten Democrats are expected to vote for it, potentially allowing it to reach the necessary 60 votes to overcome a filibuster if all Republicans also support it. Following that, the Senate would enter into debate on the bill, which would only require a simple majority, or 51 votes, to ultimately pass and be sent to the president.

Among the Democratic senators expressing their backing for the bill are Mark Kelly, Jacky Rosen, Ruben Gallego, Gary Peters, John Hickenlooper, Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, Jon Ossoff, Elissa Slotkin, and John Fetterman. Senator Richard Blumenthal has also indicated that he is likely to support the bill. Rosen stated, "You know, I plan to support it. Because if you're a criminal, you should be held accountable." However, Hickenlooper's office revealed that he supports letting the bill advance for amendments but does not agree with its current form.

A senior Republican staff member suggested they have enough votes to initiate a full debate on the bill, a sentiment echoed by Senator Kelly. The legislation, known as the Laken Riley Act, passed the House recently and is named after a nursing student who was killed by an illegal immigrant last year. The act not only mandates that illegal immigrants guilty of theft, burglary, or shoplifting be detained until deportation but also allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for damages caused by illegal immigration. The individual responsible for Riley's death had prior arrests but had not been detained by ICE.

The introduction of this bill at the beginning of the new Congress underscores that addressing illegal immigration remains a significant concern for both Republicans and some Democrats, particularly with the upcoming 2026 elections. With illegal immigration being a pivotal issue in recent races and campaigns, several senators who support the bill are preparing for re-election battles in the near future, indicating its potential impact on the political landscape.