The four representatives from Kansas in the U.S. House have voted in favor of a bill that would require federal law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants who have been accused of nonviolent property crimes, with the possibility of deportation.
Legislation currently being sent to the U.S. Senate aims to broaden the scope of charges that would result in the detention of unauthorized individuals in the United States by federal authorities. The proposed expansion includes offenses such as shoplifting, larceny, burglary, and theft. Additionally, this measure would empower state attorneys general to take legal action against federal immigration officials who refuse to comply with immigration laws.
In memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University who tragically lost her life in 2024, the bill was named after her. Laken was killed by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant who had a previous arrest for shoplifting.
U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, who represents the 2nd District in eastern Kansas as a Republican, expressed his support for the Riley Act, stating that it is a significant initial measure towards addressing border security concerns. Prior to being elected to Congress in November, Schmidt served as the attorney general of Kansas.
“I witnessed numerous instances during my tenure as attorney general where illegal immigrants with previous, minor offenses went on to commit heinous acts of violence. This is absolutely unacceptable and needs to be put to an end,” expressed Schmidt, one of the bill’s cosponsors. He further added, “I firmly believe that this is just the beginning of a series of measures we will be taking this year to ensure border security and enhance community safety.”
Republican U.S. Representative Tracey Mann from the 1st District and Ron Estes from the 4th District, alongside Democratic U.S. Representative Sharice Davids from the 3rd District in the Kansas City area, all cast their votes in favor of the bill. Notably, Davids was one of the 48 House Democrats who sided with the Republican majority.
Representing a district that encompasses Wichita, Estes emphasized the significance of the first legislative vote in the new Congress, which focused on the Riley Act. He viewed this as a crucial and sensible measure to enhance national security.
On Tuesday, the House voted 264-159 in favor of the legislation. In order for the bill to advance, it would require bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. To move the bill to the White House, at least seven Democrats would need to join the 53 Republicans in the Senate.
President-elect Donald Trump, set to assume office on January 20, along with congressional Republicans, has emphasized the need for a stricter approach to border security. Their plans involve implementing measures such as keeping asylum applicants outside the United States and cutting off federal funding to cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement officers.
Under current federal law, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can request detainers for undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of various serious crimes. These crimes include burglary, robbery, kidnapping, homicide, sexual assault, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons offenses. Additionally, noncitizens who have been convicted of two or more petty offenses can potentially face deportation under federal statute.
