Laken Riley Act

1/13/2025, 4:36 PM

Laken Riley Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.

Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.

The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a

  • decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody;
  • failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews;
  • failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country;
  • violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or
  • failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
Bill 119 hr 29, also known as the "Alien Theft Detention Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of aliens who have been charged with theft in the United States. The bill specifically requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take custody of these individuals, ensuring that they are detained while their cases are being processed.

The main purpose of this bill is to prevent aliens who have been charged with theft from fleeing or evading the legal system. By mandating that these individuals be held in custody, the bill seeks to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions and do not pose a threat to society.

In addition to addressing the issue of alien theft, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes. While the specific details of these additional purposes are not outlined in the summary, it is clear that the bill aims to improve the enforcement of immigration laws and enhance public safety. Overall, Bill 119 hr 29 is a targeted piece of legislation that seeks to address a specific issue within the realm of immigration and law enforcement. By requiring the detention of aliens charged with theft, the bill aims to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of the American people.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 29
Introduced on
2025-01-03
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Laken Riley Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.

Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.

The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a

  • decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody;
  • failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews;
  • failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country;
  • violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or
  • failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
Bill 119 hr 29, also known as the "Alien Theft Detention Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of aliens who have been charged with theft in the United States. The bill specifically requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take custody of these individuals, ensuring that they are detained while their cases are being processed.

The main purpose of this bill is to prevent aliens who have been charged with theft from fleeing or evading the legal system. By mandating that these individuals be held in custody, the bill seeks to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions and do not pose a threat to society.

In addition to addressing the issue of alien theft, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes. While the specific details of these additional purposes are not outlined in the summary, it is clear that the bill aims to improve the enforcement of immigration laws and enhance public safety. Overall, Bill 119 hr 29 is a targeted piece of legislation that seeks to address a specific issue within the realm of immigration and law enforcement. By requiring the detention of aliens charged with theft, the bill aims to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of the American people.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Immigration

Comments

APPROVED
JG
Jeremiah Gonzalez
@holy_basil_grains_of_paradise_clementine33049
I think this new bill is gonna help a lot of people, including me. I'm not exactly sure what all the details are, but it sounds like a good thing. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! #excited #supportive
APPROVED
JC
Juliet Coleman
@olive_bouquet_garni_coriander_leaf10027
So excited for this new bill! Can't wait to see how it helps out everyone. #excited #HR29
APPROVED
JP
Jolene Petty
@shichimi_beau_monde_seasoning_lovage68772
I don't get why this bill is even a thing. It's just gonna mess everything up. How does this even help anyone in the long run? #confused

Related

Member:  Brian Babin
Member:  Austin Scott
Member:  Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
Member:  Vern Buchanan
Member:  Tom McClintock
Member:  Barry Loudermilk
Member:  Robert B. Aderholt
Member:  Juan Ciscomani
Member:  Nicholas A. Langworthy
Member:  Mark Messmer
Member:  Randy K. Weber, Sr.
Member:  Andy Barr
Member:  Troy Downing
Member:  Erin Houchin
Member:  Michael T. McCaul
Member:  Rick W. Allen
Member:  Henry Cuellar
Member:  Riley Moore
Member:  Derek Schmidt
Member:  Ashley Hinson
Member:  Mike Bost
Member:  Brian Jack
Member:  Brandon Gill
Member:  Robert Bresnahan
Member:  John McGuire
Bill Update Alert:  Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, and for other purposes.
Bill Update Alert:  Laken Riley Act
Vote Totals:  119 1st 6 - On Passage
Committee:  Judiciary

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/13/2025

Laken Riley Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The b...

Latest Action1/8/2025
Received in the Senate.