cnn
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A GOP-led bill to require the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes is nearing passage in the Senate after a significant number of Democrats joined Republicans to advance the measure in a vote review on Friday.
The vote result reflects a major shift for Democrats as the party is under pressure on immigration following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, which has led Democrats in competitive states and districts to say the party must do more. to address voter concerns.
If the project called the Laken Riley Act becomes law, it would mark a first legislative victory for Trump and congressional Republicans, who chose to present the measure as their first bill of the new Congress after winning the House of Representatives, the Senate and the White House.
The final vote in the Senate could occur next week.
The House of Representatives passed the legislation earlier this month, but will have to take it up again if the Senate approves it, as is expected, since the Senate amended the legislation.
The bill would require the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of robbery or theft. The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia student who was killed last year while out for a run. An undocumented immigrant from Venezuela was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in the case that reignited a national debate about immigration and crime.
Although the bill won support from a critical mass of Democrats, it also revealed a split in the party: Some called it a common-sense measure, while others argued it would undermine civil liberties and due process and could harm public safety.
Friday’s procedural vote required 60 votes for the bill to advance, which meant some Democrats had to cross the aisle to vote with Republicans, who only control a 53-seat majority. The final vote was 61-35.
A controversial provision of the law would give state attorneys general authority to sue in federal courts the decisions of federal officials, including immigration judges, to release certain immigrants. They could also sue to force the State Department to impose visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept deportable nationals.
Several Democratic senators had initially voted to proceed with debate on the bill, but said they did not support it in its current form and wanted to see a robust amendment process.
Earlier this week, the Senate approved an amendment to the Laken Riley Act to expand the list of crimes for which immigrants can be detained if arrested, including assault on law enforcement officers. The amendment, introduced by GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, passed with broad bipartisan support, 70-25.
A second amendment, introduced by Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, sought to eliminate parts of the bill that Democratic critics said amounted to a major overhaul of immigration law. But it was rejected by 46 votes in favor and 49 against in the Senate, led by Republicans.
