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The House voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, which requires federal authorities to detain non-citizens charged with certain crimes and allows states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement.
This vote was on the final passage of the Laken Riley Act (S. 5). The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who have been charged with or convicted of specific crimes, such as burglary, theft, or assault. It also gives state attorneys general the power to sue federal agencies if they believe immigration laws regarding detention or parole are not being properly followed, provided the state can show even a small amount of financial harm. In the House of Representatives, a "vote on passage" is the final step for a bill before it is sent to the other chamber or the President. Because this bill had already passed the Senate, this House vote was the final legislative hurdle required before it could be signed into law. It required a simple majority of those present and voting to pass. The bill passed with a total of 263 votes in favor. While the Republican caucus supported the measure unanimously, it also gained support from 27 Democrats and one Independent. Following this vote, the bill was sent to the President and officially became Public Law 119-1 on January 29, 2025.
The bill was signed into law by the President on January 29, 2025, becoming Public Law 119-1.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This law significantly changes immigration enforcement by making detention mandatory for certain offenses and creating a new legal mechanism for states to challenge federal enforcement decisions.
Who’s affected. Non-citizens: Increased risk of mandatory detention if charged with crimes like theft or assault, regardless of prior record. · State Attorneys General: Granted new legal standing to sue the federal government over perceived failures in immigration law enforcement. · Department of Homeland Security: Must adjust detention protocols to prioritize mandatory holds for the specific crimes listed in the Act.
Democrats. The majority of the Democratic caucus opposed the bill, though a significant minority of 27 members voted in favor.
Republicans. The Republican caucus voted unanimously in support of the bill.
On Passage
Jan 22, 2025
The House voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, which requires federal authorities to detain non-citizens charged with certain crimes and allows states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement.
This was a final vote in the House of Representatives to approve the bill. Passing this stage was the last step needed for the bill to be sent to the President's desk to be signed into law.
The bill was signed into law by the President on January 29, 2025, becoming Public Law 119-1.
This law significantly changes immigration enforcement by making detention mandatory for certain offenses and creating a new legal mechanism for states to challenge federal enforcement decisions.
The bill passed with unanimous Republican support and a notable group of 27 Democrats joining the majority.
The majority of the Democratic caucus opposed the bill, though a significant minority of 27 members voted in favor.
The Republican caucus voted unanimously in support of the bill.
The lone Independent member voted in favor of the bill.