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"Bad bill": Jayapal slams law targeting unauthorized migrants
Rep. Pramila Jayapal expressed concerns over the Laken Riley Act, arguing that it could lead to unjust detentions and disproportionately target undocumented immigrants charged with minor offenses.
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal / Facebook
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has voiced strong concerns over a recently passed bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that targets undocumented immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes.
The Laken Riley Act passed on Jan. 7, marks an early move by the Republican majority, which has pledged to fulfill President-elect Donald J. Trump’s commitment to a stricter immigration policy. The bill is named after Riley, a Georgia college student, who was killed last February by a Venezuelan migrant.
Congresswoman Jayapal took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the bill, stating, “This is a bad bill. It removes due process and subjects any undocumented person who is arrested or charged with shoplifting or theft to mandatory detention — no trial or conviction needed. It’s all fear-mongering about immigrants, not making people safer.”
This is a bad bill. It removes due process and subjects any undocumented person who is arrested or charged with shoplifting or theft to mandatory detention — no trial or conviction needed.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 13, 2025
It’s all fear mongering about immigrants, not making people safer. https://t.co/Ui4UT1lg0G
In an interview with MSNBC earlier, she elaborated on her concerns, emphasizing the bill’s potential to undermine fundamental legal protections. “This legislation is about taking away due process from those accused of or charged with minor crimes,” she said. “It’s a gateway to fast-tracking cruel and unjust mass deportations.”
This legislation is about taking away due process from those accused of or charged with minor crimes.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 13, 2025
It’s a gateway to fast tracking mass cruel and unjust mass deportations. pic.twitter.com/nlxepay7Dk
Representative Jayapal, who has been a staunch advocate for immigrant rights, highlighted the broader implications of the bill, warning that it could lead to widespread fear and injustice within immigrant communities without contributing to public safety.
Elected in 2016, Congresswoman Jayapal is currently serving her fifth term representing Washington’s 7th District, which includes most of Seattle and nearby areas such as Shoreline, Vashon Island, Lake Forest Park, and parts of Burien and Normandy Park. She made history as the first South Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill
The bill, also commonly known as the Migrant Crime Bill, focuses on immigration enforcement and aims to make it easier to detain and deport undocumented immigrants charged with certain nonviolent crimes.
It introduces several key changes to current immigration laws. First, it broadens the list of crimes that can lead to detention and deportation, including burglary, theft, larceny, and shoplifting. Second, it allows state attorneys general to sue federal officials, such as the U.S. attorney general or the homeland security secretary, if an undocumented immigrant, who was released after entering the U.S. illegally, commits a crime that harms the state or its residents.
This bill has sparked significant debate.
Supporters of the bill, primarily Republicans, argue that it enhances public safety by addressing gaps in immigration enforcement and ensuring accountability for criminal behavior. They believe it is a necessary step to protect communities and prevent further harm.
Critics, however, mainly Democrats, contend that the bill’s broad scope could lead to unjust detentions and harm innocent individuals. Currently, non-citizens can be deported if they are convicted of at least two minor offenses.
The bill has already passed in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Forty-eight Democrats joined Republicans in voting for it, signaling some crossover support.
On Jan. 10, the Senate voted 84-9 to move the bill forward to the debate stage, showing strong bipartisan support, with 33 Democrats backing the procedural vote.
If it passes the debate stage, it will go to a final vote. If the Senate approves the bill, it will then be sent to the President for signing into law.
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