US Congress Passes Law Allowing Arrest of Undocumented Migrants Accused of Theft
The US Congress passed a law on Wednesday permitting border and immigration officers to arrest undocumented migrants accused of theft.
Named the “Lakin Riley Act” after a student killed in February by an undocumented migrant, this law marks the first legislative implementation of former President Donald Trump’s anti-illegal immigration policy.
The bill, which garnered 263 votes in favor, including 46 from Democrats, and 156 votes against, will be sent to the Senate for a vote early next week before heading to the White House for approval.
According to US media analysis, the passage of the “Lakin Riley Act” just two days after Trump’s inauguration represents a significant victory for the Republican president, who made combating illegal immigration one of his key priorities.
Additionally, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to strengthen border security with Mexico. These forces will join the 2,500 reservists from the army and National Guard called up in recent months to support federal security forces in combating illegal immigration.
