The Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, has gained bipartisan traction in the Senate with Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona joining as a co-sponsor. This follows the bill's passage in the House earlier this week with significant Democratic support.

The legislation mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants convicted of theft, burglary, or shoplifting until deportation. It also empowers states to pursue legal action against federal officials deemed negligent in enforcing immigration laws. Senator Gallego emphasized the need to address the impact of the border crisis on Arizonans and provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to maintain public safety.

The bill, named after Laken Riley, a nursing student tragically murdered by an undocumented immigrant, was reintroduced by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Representative Mike Collins (R-GA). Jose Ibarra, the individual convicted of Riley's murder, received a life sentence without parole. The act's passage in the House saw 48 Democrats voting in favor.

Senator Britt applauded Senator Gallego's support, highlighting the bill's focus on public safety. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has scheduled a Senate vote on the bill for Friday. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Gallego are now co-sponsors, joining all Senate Republicans in backing the legislation.

Senator Gallego, who previously voted in favor of the bill in the House, recently won Arizona's Senate race, succeeding former Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), facing re-election in 2026, has also indicated his support for the measure.

With Republicans holding a 52-seat majority in the Senate (pending Senator-elect Jim Justice's swearing-in), the bill requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The votes of several Democrats, particularly those from states won by Donald Trump in previous elections, will be crucial for the bill's passage. The focus is particularly on Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), who faces re-election in 2026 and represents Laken Riley's home state.