Migration: US Congress decides to tighten regulations for irregular migrants

The US Congress has passed a controversial law that significantly tightens the measures against migrants without valid residence status. The House of Representatives confirmed the Lake Riley Act a few days after the inauguration of the new President Donald Trump. It is likely to be the first law that the Republican signs in his second term.

The “Laken Riley Act” tightens existing rules by explicitly requiring federal authorities to hold those affected in immigration detention centers even for minor offenses such as shoplifting – previously this was only the case for serious crimes. They should be deported directly from there as quickly as possible, unless there are legal obstacles.

Guilt for the specific offense does not necessarily have to be proven. A moment of suspicion is enough. Those affected have no right to a hearing on the charge, to release on bail, or to an assessment of whether they actually pose a security risk.

Many Democrats also voted for it

There was bipartisan support for the project. It is named after a 22-year-old student who was murdered in the state of Georgia in 2024 by a migrant from Venezuela living illegally in the country who was already known to the police for theft. The case caused horror across the country.

Proponents argue that the law has a deterrent effect and strengthens public safety. Critics warn that the tragedy is being exploited to justify disproportionately harsh measures against migrants. They see the rule of law at risk; The risk of confusion or racially motivated false accusations is high.

A Trump campaign promise

Trump’s signature is considered secure. During his appearances, the Republican often brought relatives of victims who were murdered by migrants living in the country to his side. In his speeches he gave the impression that people without valid papers were generally violent criminals. Studies do not support this representation, on the contrary: out of fear of deportation and to avoid coming into contact with the authorities, they are less likely to commit crimes than US citizens.