House Advances Laken Riley Act Targeting Sanctuary Cities

The U.S. Senate advanced the Laken Riley Act on Thursday, a Republican-led immigration bill aimed at tightening enforcement in sanctuary cities. The measure passed a key procedural vote with bipartisan support, overcoming a filibuster with an 84-9 margin. The bill, named after a 22-year-old nursing student allegedly murdered by an undocumented immigrant, now heads to a final vote.

The Laken Riley Act, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., mandates the arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft, burglary, or shoplifting until deportation. It also allows states to sue federal officials for failing to enforce immigration laws. The bill gained momentum after Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., became its first Democratic co-sponsor.

Laken Riley, a student at Augusta University, was found dead on the University of Georgia campus in February. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old undocumented immigrant, was charged with her murder and sentenced to life without parole in November. Riley’s death has become a rallying point for Republicans pushing stricter immigration policies.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., supported the procedural vote to allow debate and amendments but stopped short of endorsing the final bill. ‘There are so many flaws in this bill,’ said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., who voted against it. Other Democrats, including Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., backed the measure, citing public safety concerns.

The bill’s advancement comes as Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate, House, and White House in 2025. With a simple majority needed for final passage, the Laken Riley Act is expected to reach President-elect Trump‘s desk. Several Democrats who supported the bill face re-election in competitive states in 2026, including Sens. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., and Gary Peters, D-Mich.