The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act, a bold border security measure that has reignited national debates on immigration enforcement. The bill is named for 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was tragically killed last year by an immigrant in the country illegally. Riley’s story became a key issue during the 2024 presidential campaign and a rallying cry for stricter border policies.

Authored by Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, the act mandates the arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants involved in crimes such as theft, burglary, and shoplifting. Additionally, it grants state attorneys general the authority to sue federal officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, for failing to uphold immigration laws.

The legislation garnered bipartisan backing, with 48 Democrats joining the Republican caucus to push the bill through the House. Supporters claim it will bolster public safety and accountability, while critics argue it risks legal overreach and undermines federal-state relations.

Set to be voted on in the Senate this Friday—what would have been Riley’s 23rd birthday—the bill’s future hangs in the balance. The vote comes amid growing pressure on Senate Democrats to support the measure and days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The Laken Riley Act is shaping up to be a defining moment in America’s immigration debate, with both sides preparing for a fierce showdown in the Senate.