• The Senate voted 70-25 to adopt an amendment to the Laken Riley Act aimed at enhancing the detention of undocumented migrants.
• The amendment requires ICE to detain migrants accused of nonviolent crimes and assaulting law enforcement.
• Twenty-one Democrats joined Republicans to support the proposal, although some express concerns over due process violations.
• The bill, which has passed the House earlier, will need to return for a second vote following Senate amendments.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised an open debate on the bill's provisions in the upcoming days.

The Senate has made significant strides by voting 70 to 25 in favor of the first amendment to the Laken Riley Act, which aims to mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of various offenses, including theft and assault on law enforcement. Proposed by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), the amendment was notably supported by twenty-one Democrats who joined all present Republicans, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisanship. The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia college student tragically killed by a Venezuelan migrant previously arrested for shoplifting, which has propelled discussions on immigration reform amidst criticism.

Under the proposed amendments, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be empowered to detain any immigrant accused—though not convicted—of nonviolent crimes, raising concerns about due process and the potential for mass deportations. Critics argue that such measures could allow undue actions against individuals who may be unfairly charged. As noted by Senate Majority Leader Thune, the legislative discussion surrounding this bill is vital as the goal remains to fortify the legislation before it becomes law.

While several Democrats, including Senators John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), have indicated solid support for the Laken Riley Act, others are hoping to leverage the amendment process to address critical concerns regarding the implications of the proposed law. An unsuccessful amendment by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) aimed to eliminate specific clauses that grant state attorneys the authority to sue the federal government over detention policies. As the debate continues, the tension between enhancing immigration enforcement and protecting individual rights will play a significant role in shaping the final form of the legislation.

Currently, the Laken Riley Act has also been set to return to the House for a second vote after advancing through the Senate, ensuring its provisions are scrutinized and debated thoroughly in the coming days.