S. 5Signed into lawImmigration
Laken Riley Act expands mandatory detention, lets states sue over enforcement
Data as of July 16, 2026
The law expands mandatory detention to cover theft and assault-on-officer charges, even without conviction.35-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This law requires DHS to detain non-citizens who are in the country illegally and have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admitted to crimes like theft, shoplifting, burglary, larceny, or assaulting a police officer. Detention can be triggered by a charge or arrest alone, not just conviction. It also lets state attorneys general sue the federal government over enforcement decisions like releases, parole, or bond grants.
Who does it affect?
Non-citizens facing criminal charges (even without conviction), DHS, the Department of Justice, and state governments are affected.
Why does it matter?
The law broadens who must be detained and gives states new legal power to challenge federal immigration enforcement decisions in court, with courts directed to fast-track these lawsuits.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: the President signed it. It's law.Now law
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Official title
Laken Riley Act
- Introduced:
- January 6, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 29, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-1.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.