Congress hands Trump first legislative victory, passes Laken Riley Act

The House vote was 263-156.

Published: January 22, 2025 5:13pm

Updated: January 22, 2025 5:16pm

Congress handed President Donald Trump his first legislative victory on Wednesday with the House passing the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of illegal aliens accused of an array of crimes.

The House vote was 263-156, with 46 Democrats approving the final version of the bill, according to Punchbowl News.

The lower chamber previously approved the bill prior to Trump's inauguration, though the Senate passed it with subsequent amendments, returning it to the House for final approval.

It now heads to Trump's desk for his signature.

The bill was named for a University of Georgia nursing student whose brutal death at the hands of an illegal immigrant from Venezuela featured strongly in the 2024 presidential election.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News