Laken Riley Act
Requires immigration authorities to detain non-citizens without legal status who are charged with, arrested for or convicted of theft-related crimes, assaulting a police officer, or crimes causing death or serious injury. Lets state attorneys general sue the federal government over certain immigration enforcement decisions.
What this law changes
From a secondary sourceRequires immigration authorities to detain non-citizens without legal status who are charged with, arrested for or convicted of theft-related crimes, assaulting a police officer, or crimes causing death or serious injury. Lets state attorneys general sue the federal government over certain immigration enforcement decisions.
This account is written from the official description of the bill. We have saved the law's official text and have not finished checking the account against it.
Transparency Score
The Transparency Score is the share of this law’s dollars that goes to what the law says it is for.
Transparency Score
Share of the text within the stated purpose:Not checked yetThe text of this law provides and authorizes no dollar amount. The score is the share of its text within the stated intent. That share is "Not checked yet": no reading of this law is approved by a person yet. 5 dollar figures in the text are caps, thresholds, penalties or figures in other laws, and are not spending.
How this is counted
- Transparency Score: dollars in sections a person approved as within the stated intent, divided by total dollars in the law. Shown as a percentage. Higher means more of the money goes to what the law says it is for.
- Beside it, the same two numbers the other way round: total dollars divided by dollars within the stated intent. 1.00 means every dollar is within the stated intent. When no dollar is within the stated intent this ratio cannot be computed, and the answer says so.
- Total dollars: appropriated dollars plus authorized dollars, read from the law's text by the rules below. Dollars in a section whose reading is unclear or was not read count in the total and are shown apart as unclear.
- A law whose text provides and authorizes no dollar amount reads "No money in this law". Its score is the share of its words that are in sections within the stated intent.
- The score reads "Not checked yet" until a person approves the law's reading of which sections are within the stated intent. The dollar totals need no reading and are shown before that.
- The dollar totals read "Not checked yet" when more than 10 percent of the dollars read could not be sorted by the rules.
- Every dollar amount in our saved text of the law is read: "$1,234,567", "$5 billion", "$2.5 million". Margin notes, page marks and the table of contents are left out. Each amount is kept with the words printed around it.
- Appropriated: the sentence says "there is appropriated", "is hereby appropriated" or "out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated"; or the amount is the one an appropriations paragraph ("For ..., $X") provides under an account heading of an appropriations act.
- Authorized: the sentence says "authorized to be appropriated". An authorization lets a later law provide the money. It provides none itself.
- A list under such a sentence ("there is appropriated the following: (1) ...; (2) ..."): an amount that begins an item is counted the same way as the sentence says, unless the sentence gives a total first. Then the items are parts of that total.
- "$X for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030" is counted as X times the number of years named (here 5). The yearly figure, the years and the product are all kept. "For each fiscal year" with no years named is counted once, and the answer says so.
- Open-ended: "such sums as may be necessary" names no amount. It is counted as an item and adds no dollars.
- Rescinded: "is hereby rescinded", "permanently cancelled", or an item of a list headed "the following funds are hereby rescinded". Shown apart. Not subtracted from the total.
- Not spending, and left out of the total: an amount after "not to exceed", "not more than", "up to", "less than", "in excess of" and like words; a fine or penalty; a limit the law raises ("the limitation is increased by $X"); a figure the law strikes from another law; and a figure inside words it writes into another law ("striking $X and inserting $Y"), unless the same sentence says the figure is authorized or appropriated.
- Counted once: an amount after "of which", after "Provided, That", or after "of the amounts made available" is a part of a total already counted. Where a paragraph ends "in all, $X", that total is counted and the amounts before it are its parts.
- An amount the rules cannot sort is "not classified". It is listed with its words and left out of the total. Nothing is guessed.
- Total dollars: appropriated dollars plus authorized dollars. The two are also shown apart.
What the law says it is for
Confirmed from the official recordThese are the law’s own words, and the words of Congress’s records, about what the law is for.
Official title
“To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.”
The words under "An Act", Public Law 119-1, official text · Saved October 5, 2026 · Fingerprint faf0f7128ffac05e
Short title
“Laken Riley Act”
The sentence that names the Act, Public Law 119-1, official text · Saved October 5, 2026 · Fingerprint faf0f7128ffac05e
Congress's summary · Congressional Research Service
“Laken Riley Act This act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person. The act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this act, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of the above crimes.”
The quote stops here. The source has the full text.
Summary of the version: Public Law, Congressional Research Service summary: Public Law · Saved October 6, 2026 · Fingerprint 0edc258f6e3a6944
The law has no findings or purpose section.
The bill's record names no committee report.
Dollars in this law
Confirmed from the official recordThe text of this law provides and authorizes no dollar amount.
Left out of the total
- 5 figures are written into another law. What such a figure does is set by the other law.
Sentences with dollar figures in Congress’s summary
These sentences come from the summary of this law by the Congressional Research Service, a part of the Library of Congress.
“The act also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100.”
Source: Congressional Research Service summary: Public Law · Saved October 6, 2026 · Fingerprint 0edc258f6e3a6944
Source: Public Law 119-1, official text · Saved October 5, 2026 · Fingerprint faf0f7128ffac05e
Other measures
Each measure has its own status. None is added into the score.
- Dollars in sections added along the way
- No money in this law
- Member-requested dollars as a share of appropriated dollars
- Not checked yet
No list of member-requested spending is printed in the 96 official records saved for this law, and no committee report says there is none.
- Open-ended amounts (“such sums as may be necessary”)
- 0 passagesConfirmed from the official record
- Other bills whose text this law contains
- 2 billsConfirmed from the official record
- How the House passed it
- Recorded vote: 263 Yes, 156 No, 0 Present, 14 Did not vote, January 22, 2025Confirmed from the official record
- How the Senate passed it
- Recorded vote: 64 Yes, 35 No, 0 Present, 0 Did not vote, January 20, 2025Confirmed from the official record
- Committee report saved
- None in the official recordConfirmed from the official record
The bill's official record names no committee report.
- Hearing saved
- None in the official recordConfirmed from the official record
The bill's official record names no hearing.
How these are counted
- Added along the way, sections: sections of the final law marked "added later", divided by the sections compared.
- Added along the way, words: words in those sections, divided by the words in the sections compared.
- Each text is read as a list of words. A run is 5 words in a row. For each section of the final law we count the share of its runs that appear anywhere in the first published text of the bill. 90 percent or more: in the first text. From 20 to 90 percent: changed. Under 20 percent: added later. A section with fewer than 20 words is not compared.
- Sections outside the stated intent: sections a person approved as outside the stated intent, divided by the sections read. The same count is given in words.
- Member-requested spending: the number of items in the lists Congress printed for the law, and the sum of their dollar amounts.
- A part that is not checked yet is shown as "Not checked yet". It is never counted as zero. No single blended number is given.
Added along the way
Confirmed from the official record0 of the 2 sections compared are added after the first published text of the bill. 1 is changed. 1 is in the first text. 1 heading or short section is too short to compare.
A section counts as added later when under 20 percent of its wording appears in the first published text.
Congress published no introduced text of this bill. The comparison starts from the earliest text it published: Placed on Calendar Senate, January 7, 2025.
The first published text (Placed on Calendar Senate, January 7, 2025): S. 5, Placed on Calendar Senate · Saved October 7, 2026 · Fingerprint 92f85b945601e197
Published texts of this bill, in order: Placed on Calendar Senate (January 7, 2025), Engrossed in Senate (January 20, 2025), Enrolled Bill.
Sections added later
No section compared is added later.
Amendments adopted
2 adopted of 94 listed for this bill
-
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]. The Senate adopted it on January 20, 2025, by recorded vote, 75–24.
To include crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury to the list of offenses that, if committed by an inadmissible alien, require mandatory detention.
-
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]. The Senate adopted it on January 15, 2025, by recorded vote, 70–25.
To expand the list of criminal offenses that subject inadmissible aliens to mandatory detention.
Other bills whose text this law contains
The Congressional Research Service, a part of the Library of Congress, marks 2 other bills with the words “Public law contains the text”. That means this law includes text from each of those bills. This page does not compare their texts with the law.
- S. 149 Public Safety First Act
- H.R. 29 Laken Riley Act
Member-requested spending
No list foundNo list of member-requested spending is printed in the 96 official records saved for this law, and no committee report says there is none.
Sections outside the stated intent
Not checked yetA person reviews each reading before it appears here.
On the record
On the record: Not started.
Press releases by members of Congress
From a secondary sourceThese are press releases from members' official websites that name this law. We save a copy of each one.
24 press releases
-
Scalise’s End-of-Year Recap: One Year of Republicans Delivering on our Promises
“S. 5 (Rep. Collins) – Laken Riley Act: Holds the Biden Administration accountable for their role in tragedies like the murder of Laken Riley, requires detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates ICE take them into custody, and allows a state to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing the border laws, particularly”
-
Scalise’s Summer Update: Six Months of Winning for the American People
“S. 5 (Rep. Collins) – Laken Riley Act: Holds the Biden Administration accountable for their role in these tragedies through their open border policies, requires detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates ICE take them into custody, and allows a state to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing the border laws, particularly”
-
“Earlier this year, Senator Britt’s S.5, the Laken Riley Act, named in honor of a nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien, was signed into law. The Senator highlighted another innocent American, Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five, who was raped and murdered by an illegal alien from El Salvador.”
-
ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Sean Hannity for Town Hall with Republican Colleagues
“Less than a month into the 119 th Congress, Senator Britt’s S.5, the Laken Riley Act, became President Trump’s first bill signed into law as the 47 th President of the United States. Her bipartisan legislation was the most significant immigration enforcement and border security related bill to be enacted into law in nearly three decades.”
-
Smith Announces Upcoming Staff Outreach Events
“106 S. 5th Street, Pender”
-
U.S. Senator Katie Britt Continues Efforts to Protect Border Patrol Agents, Local Law Enforcement
“Last month, Senator Britt’s S.5, the Laken Riley Act, became President Donald Trump’s first bill signed into law. This legislation included an amendment mirroring Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) Sarah’s Law, and a provision mirroring Senator John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) POLICE ACT, which expanded the list of criminal offenses covered by the bill to include assault of a law enforcement officer.”
Show all 24
-
Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Trump Signing Federal Legislation to Erode Due Process
“H.R. 29/S. 5 clears the path for indefinite detention without charge or conviction of any undocumented immigrant.”
-
Laken Riley Act Signed Into Law by President Trump
“Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Republican Members of the Georgia Delegation attended the White House signing ceremony as President Donald J. Trump signed S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, into law. Following the ceremonial bill signing, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:”
-
President Trump Signs U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s Laken Riley Act into Law
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s (R-Ala.) S.5, the Laken Riley Act, today became President Donald J. Trump’s first bill signed into law as the 47 th President of the United States. This bipartisan legislation is the most significant immigration enforcement and border security related bill to be enacted into law in nearly three decades.”
-
“Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jake Ellzey proudly voted in favor of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, which will protect American communities from criminal illegal immigrants. This legislation requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit serious crimes, including theft, assault on law enforcement officers, and crimes resulting in death or”
-
Press Release: House Passes the Laken Riley Act with Support from Congressman Rouzer
“WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, with support from Congressman Rouzer (R-NC-07), the House passed S. 5, the Laken Riley Act after being amended in the Senate. S. 5 would protect American communities by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit crimes that result in serious bodily injury, theft, burglary, larceny, shoplift, or assault a law enforcement”
-
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement on Voting for S. 5
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement on voting for S. 5:”
-
Rep. John McGuire’s Statement on the Passage of the Laken Riley Act
“S. 5, the Senate’s version of the bill, passed the Senate on January 20, 2025. Read more about the bill here.”
-
Statement on the Final Passage of the Laken Riley Act
“Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement regarding tonight’s final passage of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act. The measure passed the House 263-156 and now heads to the President’s desk.”
-
Schmidt-Cosponsored Border Bill Passes Congress, Heads to President’s Desk
“WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) released the following statement after the House passed S. 5, the Senate-amended version of the Laken Riley Act. Included in the Laken Riley Act is language from H.R. 578, Sarah’s Law.”
-
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s (R-Ala.) S.5, the Laken Riley Act, today passed the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 263-156. The passage of this legislation is the most significant immigration enforcement and border security related bill to pass Congress in nearly three decades.”
-
Congresswoman Sheri Biggs Champions Passage of the Laken Riley Act
“Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) today voted for final passage of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, which protects American communities by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal aliens who commit serious crimes, including theft, burglary, larceny, assault a law enforcement officer, or causing serious bodily injury to others while committing a crime. It also gives”
-
Senator Reverend Warnock Votes “Yes” on Laken Riley Act » Reverend Raphael Warnock
“Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement on his vote to support The Laken Riley Act (S.5). The vote passed 64-35.”
-
Senator Dave McCormick Begins to Deliver on Stronger Borders
“January 20, 2025, Washington, D.C.: Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) today voted for the Laken Riley Act (S.5), a critical step toward stronger borders and a safer America. This bill gives the Department of Homeland Security the power and authority to remove dangerous criminals from society, to protect Pennsylvanians and all Americans.”
-
Senator Kim Statement on the Constitutional Problems of S.5 Immigration Bill
“WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim released the following statement after voting no on the final passage of S.5, the Laken Riley Act.”
-
U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Budd’s Landmark Immigration Enforcement Bill Passes Senate
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Budd’s (R-N.C.) S.5, the Laken Riley Act, today passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 64-35. The passage of this legislation is the most significant immigration enforcement and border security related bill to pass the Senate in nearly three decades.”
-
U.S. Senator Katie Britt Steers Laken Riley Act Past Final Procedural Hurdle
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s (R-Ala.) S.5, the Laken Riley Act, today cleared a final procedural vote, effectively securing the necessary support in the U.S. Senate for final passage. Following the Senate invoking cloture in a 61-35 vote, the legislation is on its way to Senate passage in the coming days.”
-
McCormick Casts First Vote as U.S. Senator for Laken Riley Act
“January 9, 2025, Washington, D.C. – Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) voted to advance the Laken Riley Act (S.5), keeping his promise to put the safety and security of Pennsylvanians and all Americans first.”
-
Senator Kim Statement on Voting No onBill Putting Constitutional Rights at Risk
“WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim released the following statement after voting no on cloture on the motion to proceed on S.5, the Laken Riley Act.”
Read from 539 of 539 members' sites, releases since January 3, 2025, through October 7, 2026.
Press releases by organizations
No saved press release from these organizations names this law.
Read from 510 of 510 organizations' sites, releases since January 3, 2025, through October 7, 2026.
What it touches
Kind of law: New or changed rules. Budget effect: No direct effect on agency budgets.
Government
- Justice and enforcement
- Laws and regulations
The economy
- No direct economic effect
Daily life
- Immigration
- Safety and policing
- Courts and legal rights
Agencies it funds or directs
Dollar amounts:Not checked yetHow it passed
The Senate passed it 64 to 35 on January 20, 2025.
The House passed it 263 to 156 on January 22, 2025, with 14 members who did not vote.
The question on the official record: House, “On Passage”. Senate, “On Passage of the Bill (S. 5, As Amended)”.
| Chamber and party | Yes | No | Present | Did not vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House Republicans | 217 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| House Democrats | 46 | 156 | 0 | 13 |
| Senate Republicans | 52 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Senate Democrats | 12 | 33 | 0 | 0 |
| Senate independents | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
How each member votes
Pick a state to see how its members vote on this law, or show all states. Enter a ZIP code to see your own officials first.
Lobbying reports that name this bill
Confirmed from the official record3 saved lobbying reports name S. 5. The amount is what the report gives for the whole quarter: everything the registrant did for that client, all issues together. A linked name opens that organization’s page on this site.
| Registrant | Client | Amount for the whole quarter | Quarter | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YWCA USA | YWCA USA | $79,538.00reported as expenses | April to June 2026 | Open the report |
| AMERICAN CONSERVATION COALITION ACTION, INC. | AMERICAN CONSERVATION COALITION ACTION, INC. | $100,000.00reported as expenses | April to June 2026 | Open the report |
| NETWORK LOBBY FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE | NETWORK | The report gives no amount | April to June 2026 | Open the report |
See the lobbying page for S. 5
Senate Office of Public Records cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from LDA.gov.
Lobbying Disclosure Act reports, LDA.gov. This copy was read October 7, 2026 at 4:39 PM Eastern.
Where this comes from
We saved our own copy of each official vote file listed here before writing this page. A code beside a file is its fingerprint, a short code that changes if the file's contents change.