Senate Deliberates Controversial Laken Riley Act
As debates intensify in Washington, the U.S. Senate is currently discussing the Laken Riley Act. This legislation, which has already secured bipartisan approval in the House, aims to mandate the detention of immigrants by Homeland Security on minor charges such as shoplifting.
The act is named in memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student whose tragic death last year was attributed to a Venezuelan immigrant reportedly in the U.S. illegally.
Reyna Montoya, a Phoenix DACA recipient and CEO of Aliento, an immigrant advocacy organization, commented, “My heart goes out for the family of Laken Riley, and I just think it’s just a tragedy what happened to her. And at the same time, I think it’s very dangerous to politicize this.”
The bill has drawn attention due to its lack of exemptions for minors and specific immigrant categories, including DACA recipients and those under Temporary Protected Status. The financial implications for its enforcement remain uncertain.
Despite these concerns, the bill has found support among Democrats, with Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) co-sponsoring the Senate version.
Montoya expressed apprehension that the legislation could compromise due process and potentially facilitate the deportation of long-term U.S. residents, including DACA recipients. She noted, “Even if they are seen as innocent and it’s declared, ‘hey, you actually didn’t commit any crime, there’s no evidence of that,’ they’re being held in detention. Could that then mean the first step of their deportation?”
Research over the past decade consistently indicates that undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than native U.S. citizens.
According to Migrant Insider, senators are weighing several amendments, including proposals to safeguard Dreamers and minors.
While Montoya remains hopeful about potential revisions, she withholds final judgment pending further details.
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