The Senate has taken a significant step forward in addressing immigration policy with the advancement of the Laken Riley Act, which aims to tackle crime committed by undocumented immigrants. On Thursday, the bill achieved a notable procedural victory, passing by an overwhelming margin of 84 to 9, demonstrating strong bipartisan support, including the backing of 33 Senate Democrats, such as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) who initially reintroduced it.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the federal detention of immigrants without legal status who are accused of offenses such as theft and burglary. [The Hill] highlighted that this legislation not only marks an early test for Senate Democrats under the new Republican majority but also highlights the challenges they faced during the recent elections, where immigration became a hot-button issue.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) framed the bill as a critical choice for Americans: “Are you willing to allow illegal immigrant criminals to roam free in our country? Or do you want to save American lives?” He emphasized that the call for enhanced border security resonates with the concerns of many citizens. As the bill clears this procedural hurdle, further votes, including potential amendments, are anticipated in the following week, allowing further examination of the legislation before final passage.

This legislative effort follows a vote in the House where 48 Democrats sided with Republicans to pass the same measure. [The Hill] noted that the bill was named after Laken Riley, a Georgia college student tragically killed last February by a Venezuelan migrant who had been previously detained for shoplifting.

As the Senate took this first step, it became clear that Democrats are under pressure to deliver on security matters that concern their constituents. A range of party members, including Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), indicated support for the bill while others, such as Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), raised concerns about provisions allowing state attorneys general to have greater influence over federal immigration policy.

Debate continues within the Democratic caucus regarding potential amendments and the bill's implications for their immigration strategy moving forward. Furthermore, the importance of presenting a unified stance on this evolving issue is underscored by Sen. Fetterman's remarks: “If we can’t get at least seven votes out of 47 … that’s a reason why we lost” in reference to the previous elections.

Senators remain divided on the appropriateness of the bill, with concerns about its sufficiency in overhauling the immigration system while some members see it as a necessary initial step. As Senator Welch (D-Vt.) mentioned, it could serve as an opportunity for the party to demonstrate serious commitment to reforming immigration policy amidst rising pressure from the GOP.

The outcome of these upcoming votes could significantly impact the Democrats' approach to immigration as they navigate their strategy in a Republican-controlled Senate.