Senate Advances Laken Riley Act Amid GOP Push for Border Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune, R-S.D., announced Monday that the Senate is moving forward with the Laken Riley Act, a key piece of legislation aimed at strengthening border security and addressing crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill, which mandates the detention of illegal aliens who commit serious offenses, is expected to pass the Senate this week and head to President Trump’s desk shortly thereafter.

“We’re looking to pass the bill in the Senate Monday and get it to the president’s desk shortly thereafter,” Thune said during an interview on ‘The Story.’ The legislation is part of a broader Republican effort to secure the border and reverse policies from the Biden administration that they argue have weakened national security.

The Laken Riley Act specifically targets illegal immigrants who steal, assault law enforcement officers, or cause serious injury or death. Under the bill, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be required to detain such individuals rather than releasing them. Thune emphasized that the bill is a response to growing concerns about public safety and border security.

In addition to the Laken Riley Act, Thune highlighted other priorities for the incoming administration, including extending tax relief measures from the Trump era and addressing energy security. “I expect we will see the president take action immediately to undo Biden administration policies that threaten America’s energy security,” Thune said.

The Senate is also working to confirm President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, with 12 hearings already completed and more scheduled. Last Wednesday, six Cabinet confirmation hearings were held in a single day, marking the most in one day since 2001. Thune expressed confidence that the administration would soon be fully staffed and ready to implement its agenda.

Thune also addressed the broader Republican vision for the next four years, emphasizing a focus on economic strength, military readiness, and government efficiency. “It’s going to be a new day in the executive branch in Washington,” he said. “President Trump’s nominees are going to be focused on work, not woke.”

The Senate Majority Leader-elect concluded by expressing optimism about the future, citing President Trump’s decisive victory in November as a mandate for change. “The voters handed President Trump a decisive victory in November. And now the real work begins: delivering on the mandate they’ve given us,” Thune said.