Republicans are on the cusp of delivering a major legislative victory for President-elect Donald Trump at the outset of his second term, leveraging bipartisan support to advance the controversial Laken Riley Act. The bill, named after a Georgia college student killed by an undocumented immigrant, underscores the GOP’s focus on border security while exposing sharp divisions within the Democratic Party.
After years of criticizing the Biden administration for perceived weakness on immigration, Republicans swiftly prioritized the Laken Riley Act as their first major legislative effort. The bill mandates federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, and assaulting law enforcement officers.
The political stakes are high for both parties. For Republicans, the legislation is a chance to solidify their stance on border security while forcing Democrats into a politically precarious position. For Democrats, the bill highlights internal discord on a contentious issue.
Bipartisan Support Highlights Democratic Fractures
Despite opposition from many Democrats, the Laken Riley Act has garnered significant bipartisan support. Eleven Senate Democrats are expected to join all Republicans in passing the bill, following a procedural vote on Friday where ten Democrats backed advancing the legislation. In the House, 48 Democrats also supported the measure earlier this month.
Prominent Democratic co-sponsors include Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.) and Ruben Gallego (Ariz.). Meanwhile, vulnerable Senate Democrats up for reelection in 2026, including Sens. Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), and Mark Warner (Va.), supported advancing the bill, likely reflecting the political realities in their home states.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). “Some Democrats seem to have learned from the election that maybe we missed just how big a deal the open border was to Americans. They have their opportunity now to redeem themselves.”
Tensions Erupt Among Democrats
The legislation has laid bare significant rifts within the Democratic caucus. A longer-than-usual Senate Democratic luncheon on Tuesday saw heated discussions, with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) voicing frustration over the party’s lack of a cohesive strategy.
“If we don’t use the little bit of leverage we’ve got, we’re toast,” a Democratic senator reportedly said, referring to the party’s inability to influence the bill through amendments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) allowed just two Democratic amendments to reach the floor, both of which failed.
Adding to the tension are concerns about the bill’s cost and implementation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimated that the proposal would cost nearly $27 billion in its first year, a sum that DHS argued Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lacks the resources to manage.
Republicans See a Strong Start
For Republicans, the passage of the Laken Riley Act would be a symbolic and practical victory, setting a tone for the new Congress. The GOP hopes the bill will build momentum for further action on immigration, an issue that has long been a flashpoint in Washington.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), one of the bill’s lead proponents, said the legislation reflects the will of voters. “If you look at what happened on Nov. 5, people spoke loud and clear that they wanted something different,” Britt said.
Republicans also view the legislation as a litmus test for future bipartisan cooperation. “This is a great test,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a key figure in past immigration talks. “It will give me a great indication whether or not I have anybody to work with.”
Democrats’ Uphill Battle
Despite dozens of Senate Democrats voting against ending debate on the bill, the lack of unity within the caucus has hampered efforts to mount a robust opposition. Democrats who supported advancing the legislation argue that their votes were a bid to amend the bill, but others say the initial show of support weakened their negotiating position.
Republicans, meanwhile, remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects and its resonance with voters. “It’s an issue that has tremendous public support,” Thune said. “It’s a very hard vote for Democrats.”
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