Democrats who helped to pass the Laken Riley Act failed their first test of the second Trump era
MSNBC6 days
Trump Signs Laken Riley Act Into Law
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Above: US Pres. Donald Trump signs the Laken Riley Act at an event in the East Room at the White House on Jan. 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump signed S. 5, known as the Laken Riley Act, into law on Wednesday, the first piece of legislation he has enacted as 47th president.
The law mandates the Department of Homeland Security to detain immigrants "unlawfully present in the US or [who] did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission" who are accused of theft-related crimes, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any offense that causes death or serious bodily injury.
It also authorizes states to sue the federal government for immigration-related decisions or alleged failures that cause harm — including financial harm exceeding $100 — to states or its residents, including releasing a non-US national from custody.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Laken Riley Act restores basic common sense and the rule of law in America, cracking down on criminal aliens that have long been allowed to prey Americans in their own country. A stronger border means a more secure nation, and that's in the best interest of the American people.
Establishment-critical narrative
Republicans could have approved this legislation without support from across the aisle, but that some Democrats ended up bowing to fear-mongering and sided with the MAGA movement is utterly disgraceful. This law will increase racial profiling and suspend due process for those accused of crimes.
