Laken Riley Act

The Laken Riley Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hold certain non-U.S. nationals (called “aliens” in federal law) who are unlawfully present or inadmissible and are charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admit to acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. It also covers assault on a law enforcement officer and any crime that causes death or serious bodily injury. DHS must issue a detainer and quickly take custody if the person isn’t already detained.

The bill also gives state attorneys general the power to sue the federal government if immigration enforcement actions or failures harm their state or its residents, including financial harm over $100. Courts must fast-track these cases. This includes suits over releasing someone from custody, failing to properly inspect people seeking admission (including asylum interviews), not stopping visas to countries that won’t take back their nationals, violating limits on parole, or not detaining someone ordered removed.

• Who is affected: Certain non-U.S. nationals linked to listed crimes; state attorneys general; DHS.
• What changes: Mandatory detention for listed offenses; DHS must issue detainers; states can sue over specific immigration enforcement actions or failures, with cases expedited.
• When: No effective date is specified in the provided text.